ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Materials Scientist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$79,050/yr
Typical range: $81,732 – $98,684
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in Chicago
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $79,050 | $6,588 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,724 | $8,310 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $114,318 | $9,527 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $130,128 | $10,844 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $164,180 | $13,682 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $190,449 | $15,871 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $197,016 | $16,418 | +149% |
Current Salary
$79,050
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $38/hr
Next Level Target
$99,724
Junior · 2
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Materials Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Materials Scientists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $79K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Materials Scientist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $79K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $38/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Materials Scientist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in Chicago, IL earns $150K–$181K/yr.