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Science

Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Materials Scientists
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Median pay

$104,160
Median annual pay for Materials Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

8,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Materials Scientists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Materials Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Science
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Chemistry
  3. 3Physics
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Computers and Electronics
  6. 6Production and Processing

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Inductive Reasoning
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Innovation
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Cautiousness

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Processing Information
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
  • Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
  • Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  • Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
  • Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
  • Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
  • Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  • Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandPython · in demandR · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandThe MathWorks MATLAB · hot technologyHypertext markup language HTML · hot technologyIBM SPSS Statistics · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyRIETANStewart Computational Chemistry MOPACPWscf

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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