ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$201,161/yr
Typical range: $183,633 – $221,721
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in Boston
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $96,855 | $8,071 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,187 | $10,182 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,068 | $11,672 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $159,439 | $13,287 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $201,161 | $16,763 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $233,347 | $19,446 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $241,393 | $20,116 | +149% |
Current Salary
$201,161
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $97/hr
Next Level Target
$233,347
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in Boston, MA earn approximately $201K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $201K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $97/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in Boston, MA earns $184K–$222K/yr.