ScienceGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Materials Scientist Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$160,543/yr
Typical range: $146,555 – $176,952
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Materials Scientist salary by experience level in Sydney
Materials Scientist Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $77,299 | $6,442 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $97,515 | $8,126 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,786 | $9,316 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $127,245 | $10,604 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $160,543 | $13,379 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $186,230 | $15,519 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $192,652 | $16,054 | +149% |
Current Salary
$160,543
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $77/hr
Next Level Target
$186,230
Principal · 14
+$26Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Materials Scientist salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Materials Scientists in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $161K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $161K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $77/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Materials Scientist in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Materials Scientist in Sydney, Australia earns $147K–$177K/yr.