ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$175,963/yr
Typical range: $160,631 – $193,948
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $84,723 | $7,060 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $106,881 | $8,907 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $122,522 | $10,210 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $139,467 | $11,622 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $175,963 | $14,664 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $204,117 | $17,010 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $211,156 | $17,596 | +149% |
Current Salary
$175,963
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$204,117
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $176K 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 Chicago, IL?
Based on $176K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in Chicago, IL earns $161K–$194K/yr.