ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in New York

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$216,724/yr

Typical range: $197,840 $238,874

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Materials Scientist Salary Progression in New York

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$104,348$8,696
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$131,640$10,970+26%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$150,904$12,575+45%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$171,774$14,315+65%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$216,724$18,060+108%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$251,399$20,950+141%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$260,068$21,672+149%
Current Salary
$216,724
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$251,399
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in New York, NY?

Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in New York, NY earn approximately $217K 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 New York, NY?

Based on $217K 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 New York, NY?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in New York, NY earns $198K–$239K/yr.