Environmental 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.
Environmental Scientist
Study environmental issues and develop solutions to protect ecosystems.
Materials Scientist
Research and develop new materials with specific properties for industrial use.
Materials Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $25,812/year (39%) higher than a Environmental Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Environmental Scientist vs Materials Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Environmental Scientist | Materials Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $93,981 | $135,758 | Environmental $41,777 |
| New York, NY | $79,495 | $109,473 | Environmental $29,978 |
| Seattle, WA | $96,917 | $129,409 | Environmental $32,492 |
| Austin, TX | $72,941 | $102,706 | Environmental $29,765 |
| Chicago, IL | $69,521 | $99,794 | Environmental $30,273 |
| Boston, MA | $87,770 | $122,271 | Environmental $34,501 |
| London, UK | £51,309 | £70,169 | Environmental $18,860 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$89,843 | CA$119,306 | Environmental $29,463 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Environmental Scientist or Materials Scientist earn more?+
A Materials Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Environmental Scientist is $66,375/year, compared to $92,187/year for a Materials Scientist — a difference of $25,812 (39%).
Which has better career growth — Environmental Scientist or Materials Scientist?+
Environmental Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Materials Scientist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Materials Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Environmental Scientist 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 — Environmental Scientist or Materials Scientist?+
Materials Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.