Materials Scientists Salary in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
The median pay for a materials scientists in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA is $83,270/year ($40.04/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $64K at the entry level to $151K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 100.06), that's roughly $83,220 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,820/month — about 34.6% of take-home, which is tight.
So what does $83K get you in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell’s Regional Price Parity (100.06). Rent from HUD Fair Market Rents. Taxes estimated for single filer, standard deduction. * Healthcare is the employee-paid share only (premiums + out-of-pocket). Actual costs vary by coverage type: employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace, or uninsured.
About materials scientists
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Entry-level materials scientists (10th percentile) start around $64K. Mid-career wages sit at $83K. Top earners bring in $151K or more, a $87K spread from bottom to top.
Materials Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $136K | +31% | 80 |
| California | $132K | +26% | 610 |
| New York | $125K | +20% | 630 |
| Florida | $123K | +18% | 100 |
| Wisconsin | $121K | +16% | 140 |
| Illinois | $120K | +16% | 470 |
| Virginia | $119K | +14% | 160 |
| Utah | $119K | +14% | 80 |
| Massachusetts | $118K | +14% | 720 |
| Oklahoma | $116K | +11% | 60 |
| Minnesota | $114K | +10% | 360 |
| Washington | $110K | +6% | 290 |
| Maryland | $106K | +2% | 200 |
| Oregon | $104K | -0% | 180 |
| Pennsylvania | $103K | -1% | 290 |
| Ohio | $102K | -2% | 670 |
| Kansas | $98K | -6% | 30 |
| Delaware | $98K | -6% | 100 |
| Iowa | $96K | -8% | 170 |
| Indiana | $95K | -9% | 40 |
| North Carolina | $95K | -9% | 370 |
| Michigan | $93K | -10% | 170 |
| South Carolina | $88K | -16% | 60 |
| Nevada | $86K | -17% | 70 |
| Maine | $83K | -20% | 50 |
| New Jersey | $83K | -20% | 630 |
| Georgia | $81K | -22% | 250 |
| Texas | $81K | -23% | 380 |
| Montana | $57K | -46% | 60 |
Showing 1–10 of 29 states
BLS does not publish data for every state when sample sizes are too small
Track materials scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do materials scientists make in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA?
The median is $83,270 a year, that works out to about $40 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $64,070, and experienced materials scientists can clear $151,490. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $83K enough to live in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,237/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,820/month, which eats 34.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a materials scientists salary go in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell?
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell has a Regional Price Parity of 100.06 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median materials scientists salary is worth about $83,220 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do materials scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.