How to Become a Materials Scientists in California
Materials Scientists in California earn a median salary of $131,530/year, which is 26% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.4%. After taxes and rent, a materials scientists takes home approximately $6,278/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a materials scientists can afford in California
Becoming a materials scientists in California
Meet education requirements
Materials Scientists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many materials scientists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for materials scientistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 610 materials scientists. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Materials Scientists salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $157K | $75.26/hr | 90 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $132K | $63.24/hr | 160 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $126K | $60.69/hr | 170 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $68K | $32.83/hr | 90 |
Materials Scientists salary range in California
Materials Scientists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a materials scientists make in California?▼
The median materials scientists salary in California is $131,530 per year ($63.24/hr). This is 26% above the national median of $104,160. Salaries range from $57,030 to $182,860.
What are the requirements to become a materials scientists in California?▼
Materials Scientists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a materials scientists afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $131,530, a materials scientists in California would take home approximately $7,690/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 18.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for materials scientists in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for materials scientists in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($156,530), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($131,530), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($126,240). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for materials scientists?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.4%. On a $131,530 salary, this means roughly $8,370/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.