Research 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.
Research Scientist
Conduct experiments and research to advance knowledge in scientific fields.
Materials Scientist
Research and develop new materials with specific properties for industrial use.
Materials Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $10,697/year (13%) higher than a Research Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Research Scientist vs Materials Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Research Scientist | Materials Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $116,069 | $135,758 | Research $19,689 |
| New York, NY | $96,854 | $109,473 | Research $12,619 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,232 | $129,409 | Research $13,177 |
| Austin, TX | $93,039 | $102,706 | Research $9,667 |
| Chicago, IL | $87,810 | $99,794 | Research $11,984 |
| Boston, MA | $108,434 | $122,271 | Research $13,837 |
| London, UK | £61,973 | £70,169 | Research $8,196 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,273 | CA$119,306 | Research $12,033 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist or Materials Scientist earn more?+
A Materials Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Research Scientist is $81,490/year, compared to $92,187/year for a Materials Scientist — a difference of $10,697 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Research Scientist or Materials Scientist?+
Research Scientist roles are growing at 8% YoY while Materials Scientist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Materials Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Research 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 — Research Scientist or Materials Scientist?+
Materials Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.