ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$212,903/yr
Typical range: $194,352 – $234,663
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in Seattle
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $102,509 | $8,542 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $129,319 | $10,777 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $148,244 | $12,354 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $168,745 | $14,062 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $212,903 | $17,742 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $246,968 | $20,581 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $255,484 | $21,290 | +149% |
Current Salary
$212,903
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $102/hr
Next Level Target
$246,968
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $213K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $213K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $102/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in Seattle, WA earns $194K–$235K/yr.