Climate Scientist vs Materials Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Climate Scientist
Study climate systems, model climate change, and analyse environmental data.
Materials Scientist
Research and develop new materials with specific properties for industrial use.
Materials Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $11,062/year (14%) higher than a Climate Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Climate Scientist vs Materials Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Climate Scientist | Materials Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,559 | $135,758 | Climate $15,199 |
| New York, NY | $97,952 | $109,473 | Climate $11,521 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,831 | $129,409 | Climate $12,578 |
| Austin, TX | $88,601 | $102,706 | Climate $14,105 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,017 | $99,794 | Climate $10,777 |
| Boston, MA | $107,837 | $122,271 | Climate $14,434 |
| London, UK | £62,827 | £70,169 | Climate $7,342 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$106,409 | CA$119,306 | Climate $12,897 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Climate Scientist or Materials Scientist earn more?+
A Materials Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Climate Scientist is $81,125/year, compared to $92,187/year for a Materials Scientist — a difference of $11,062 (14%).
Which has better career growth — Climate Scientist or Materials Scientist?+
Climate Scientist roles are growing at 22% YoY while Materials Scientist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Climate Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Climate Scientist to Materials Scientist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Climate Scientist or Materials Scientist?+
Climate Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.