Materials Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a materials scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $120,340/year ($57.86/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $81K at the entry level to $169K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $110,525 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 31.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $120K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About materials scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level materials scientists (10th percentile) start around $81K. Mid-career wages sit at $120K.Top earners bring in $169K or more - a $88K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do materials scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $120,340 a year - that works out to about $57.86 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $80,900, and experienced materials scientists can clear $168,750. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $120K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,135/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 31.5% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $110,525 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.