Materials Scientist

Your Fit

Income

$104K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Materials Scientist?

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.

Sample job titles:

Materials Research Engineer, Materials Scientist, Research Scientist, Scientist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Materials Scientist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Materials Scientist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$62K per year	$80K per year	$104K per year	$134K per year	$168K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $55K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Materials Scientist do?

Work environment

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.

Quick task list

Conducts research to discover and test new materials.
Analyzes the structure, properties, and performance of materials.
Develops new uses for known materials.
Writes scientific papers and presents findings.
Collaborates with engineers and scientists in product development.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Nanomaterials: Focusing on materials at the nanoscale with unique properties.
Biomaterials: Developing materials for medical implants and prosthetics.
Electronic and Photonic Materials: Specializing in materials used in electronic devices and optics.
Composite Materials: Creating materials made from two or more constituent materials.
Polymer Science: Studying plastics and other polymers.

Description

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.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to significant advancements in technology and product development.
The opportunity to work on diverse and innovative research projects.
The intellectual challenge of solving complex material-related problems.

You might make a good Materials Scientist if you are...

Intrigued by the properties and applications of various materials.
Skilled in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Interested in conducting research and experiments.
Detail-oriented, with a strong aptitude for chemistry and physics.
Eager to collaborate with other scientists and engineers and enjoy interdisciplinary work.

Pros:

Working at the forefront of technological and scientific innovation.
Diverse career opportunities across multiple industries.
Intellectual satisfaction from discovering and developing new materials.

Cons:

Extensive education and training required.
Research can be time-consuming with a need for meticulous attention to detail.
The pressure of staying current with rapidly evolving technologies and scientific advancements.

How to become a Materials Scientist

Typical education

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.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced Mathematics and Chemistry for foundational knowledge.
Physics to understand the properties and behaviors of materials.
Computer Science for modeling and simulation skills.
Advanced Placement (AP) Science courses to prepare for college-level coursework.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science clubs or fairs.
Engaging in DIY projects or maker spaces focusing on material creation and use.
Volunteering or interning at science museums, laboratories, or research institutions.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or co-op programs in relevant industries.
Consider pursuing a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research positions.
Stay informed about the latest developments in materials science through workshops, seminars, and relevant publications.

More resources

Materials Research Society (MRS) - Offers resources and networking opportunities for materials researchers.
American Chemical Society (ACS) - Provides educational resources and information in the field of chemistry, including materials science.
ASM International - A professional organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge of materials and their applications.
The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) - Connects materials experts, offers professional development, and provides access to the latest research in materials science.

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