Biologist vs Materials Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Biologist
Study living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Materials Scientist
Research and develop new materials with specific properties for industrial use.
Materials Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $20,281/year (28%) higher than a Biologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Biologist vs Materials Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Biologist | Materials Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $104,471 | $135,758 | Biologist $31,287 |
| New York, NY | $85,420 | $109,473 | Biologist $24,053 |
| Seattle, WA | $104,628 | $129,409 | Biologist $24,781 |
| Austin, TX | $77,983 | $102,706 | Biologist $24,723 |
| Chicago, IL | $76,685 | $99,794 | Biologist $23,109 |
| Boston, MA | $92,985 | $122,271 | Biologist $29,286 |
| London, UK | £54,717 | £70,169 | Biologist $15,452 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$95,380 | CA$119,306 | Biologist $23,926 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Biologist or Materials Scientist earn more?+
A Materials Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Biologist is $71,906/year, compared to $92,187/year for a Materials Scientist — a difference of $20,281 (28%).
Which has better career growth — Biologist or Materials Scientist?+
Biologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Materials Scientist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Materials Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Biologist to Materials Scientist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Biologist or Materials Scientist?+
Materials Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.