ScienceGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in London
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$146,128/yr
Typical range: $133,396 – $161,064
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in London
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in London
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 | $70,358 | $5,863 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $88,759 | $7,397 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $101,748 | $8,479 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $115,820 | $9,652 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $146,128 | $12,177 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $169,509 | $14,126 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $175,354 | $14,613 | +149% |
Current Salary
$146,128
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $70/hr
Next Level Target
$169,509
Principal · 14
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in London, UK?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in London, UK earn approximately $146K 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 London, UK?
Based on $146K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $70/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in London, UK?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in London, UK earns $133K–$161K/yr.