ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Materials Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$179,320/yr
Typical range: $154,796 – $235,094
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $123,998 | $10,333 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $156,428 | $13,036 | +26% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $179,320 | $14,943 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $204,120 | $17,010 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $257,534 | $21,461 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $298,740 | $24,895 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $309,041 | $25,753 | +149% |
Current Salary
$179,320
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $86/hr
Next Level Target
$204,120
Senior · 6
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Materials Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Materials Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $179K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Materials Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $179K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $86/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Materials Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $235K–$284K/yr.