Materials Scientists Salary in California
The median pay for a materials scientists in California is $131,530/year ($63.24/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $183K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $132K get you in California?
About materials scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level materials scientists (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $132K.Top earners bring in $183K or more - a $126K 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 |
Track materials scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do materials scientists make in California?
The median is $131,530 a year - that works out to about $63.24 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $57,030, and experienced materials scientists can clear $182,860. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $132K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,690/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 28.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a materials scientists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median materials scientists salary is worth about $131,530 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.