Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Materials Scientist studies and analyzes the chemical properties and structures of various materials to develop new products or enhance existing ones. They work to understand how materials can be used in various industries, from technology to manufacturing.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 5.1% (above average)
Annual job openings: 600
Direct AI exposure: 45% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 59% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Other Professional Occupations in Physical Sciences. According to the wage tables, average income is $89K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $58K per year | $82K per year | $89K per year | $127K per year | $158K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $24K above the national average. | ||||
Materials Scientists typically work in laboratories, industrial plants, or offices within research and development departments. They may be employed in sectors like manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, or biomedical engineering. Their role often involves both hands-on experimentation and computational modeling.
Materials Scientists play a crucial role in technological advancement by developing and improving materials that are essential to various industries. They combine knowledge from chemistry, physics, and engineering to create and test materials like metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites. Their work is pivotal in addressing challenges such as creating sustainable materials, improving manufacturing processes, and developing innovative products.
A career as a Materials Scientist involves a blend of theoretical research and practical experimentation. These scientists must stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and be proficient in a range of analytical techniques. They often work on interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with engineers, chemists, and other scientists to develop practical applications for new materials.
The field of materials science is diverse and constantly evolving, offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies in areas like nanotechnology, renewable energy, and biomedicine. It's an ideal field for individuals who are curious about how the material world works and who are eager to apply scientific principles to solve real-world problems.
Most materials scientists hold a Ph.D. in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field, which can take 8-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate studies. A master's degree may be sufficient for some positions, especially in applied research.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
