ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$169,426/yr
Typical range: $154,664 – $186,743
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in Austin
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $81,576 | $6,798 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $102,911 | $8,576 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,971 | $9,831 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $134,286 | $11,191 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $169,426 | $14,119 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $196,535 | $16,378 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $203,312 | $16,943 | +149% |
Current Salary
$169,426
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $81/hr
Next Level Target
$196,535
Principal · 14
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in Austin, TX earn approximately $169K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Materials Scientist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $169K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $81/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in Austin, TX earns $155K–$187K/yr.