Chemist vs Materials Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Chemist
Conduct chemical research and develop new compounds, materials, and processes.
Materials Scientist
Research and develop new materials with specific properties for industrial use.
Materials Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $18,437/year (25%) higher than a Chemist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Chemist vs Materials Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Chemist | Materials Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $104,738 | $135,758 | Chemist $31,020 |
| New York, NY | $88,925 | $109,473 | Chemist $20,548 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,191 | $129,409 | Chemist $27,218 |
| Austin, TX | $80,473 | $102,706 | Chemist $22,233 |
| Chicago, IL | $77,615 | $99,794 | Chemist $22,179 |
| Boston, MA | $97,616 | $122,271 | Chemist $24,655 |
| London, UK | £56,605 | £70,169 | Chemist $13,564 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$100,209 | CA$119,306 | Chemist $19,097 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chemist or Materials Scientist earn more?+
A Materials Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Chemist is $73,750/year, compared to $92,187/year for a Materials Scientist — a difference of $18,437 (25%).
Which has better career growth — Chemist or Materials Scientist?+
Chemist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Materials Scientist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Materials Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Chemist 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 — Chemist or Materials Scientist?+
Materials Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.