ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$215,437/yr
Typical range: $196,665 – $237,456
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $103,729 | $8,644 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $130,858 | $10,905 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $150,008 | $12,501 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $170,754 | $14,230 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $215,437 | $17,953 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $249,907 | $20,826 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $258,524 | $21,544 | +149% |
Current Salary
$215,437
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$249,907
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $215K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $215K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in Los Angeles, CA earns $197K–$237K/yr.