Materials Scientists

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics · Science and Mathematics

Bright outlookJob zone 4: considerable preparationO*NET 19-2032.00

Pay and outlook shown for

median pay per year, Texas (no San Antonio figure is published for this career)

$51k10th$73kMedian$151k90th

New workers start near $50,970; experienced workers reach $151,050. About 300 people do this job in Texas.

Job outlook

U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.

Employment change: +5%; nationwide
Openings a year: 600; nationwide, from growth and people leaving
Employed in 2024: 8,700; nationwide

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree

Alamo Colleges programs that lead here

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Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

Science4.9
Reading Comprehension4.8
Critical Thinking4.3
Active Listening4.1
Complex Problem Solving4.1
Writing4.4
Speaking4.1
Active Learning4.0

What the work is

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.

Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
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.
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
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.
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

Associate degree5%
Bachelor's degree67%
Master's degree10%
Doctoral or professional19%

Job zone 4, considerable preparation: Usually a bachelor's degree, sometimes a strong associate plus experience.

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