Materials Scientist vs Statistician: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Materials Scientist
Research and develop new materials with specific properties for industrial use.
Statistician
Apply statistical methods to collect, analyse, and interpret complex data.
Statistician earns more on average — the national median is $13,463/year (15%) higher than a Materials Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Materials Scientist vs Statistician — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Materials Scientist | Statistician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $135,758 | $152,338 | Materials $16,580 |
| New York, NY | $109,473 | $128,568 | Materials $19,095 |
| Seattle, WA | $129,409 | $105,650 | Materials +$23,759 |
| Austin, TX | $102,706 | $118,719 | Materials $16,013 |
| Chicago, IL | $99,794 | $110,383 | Materials $10,589 |
| Boston, MA | $122,271 | $138,973 | Materials $16,702 |
| London, UK | £70,169 | £81,101 | Materials $10,932 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$119,306 | CA$139,336 | Materials $20,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Materials Scientist or Statistician earn more?+
A Statistician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Materials Scientist is $92,187/year, compared to $105,650/year for a Statistician — a difference of $13,463 (15%).
Which has better career growth — Materials Scientist or Statistician?+
Materials Scientist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Statistician demand is growing at 30% YoY. Statistician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Materials Scientist to Statistician?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Materials Scientist or Statistician?+
Materials Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.