Average Materials Scientists Salary in California
Materials Scientists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $130,220, significantly exceeding the national average of $113,300. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust technological and manufacturing sectors, which demand specialized expertise in materials innovation and application, coupled with the state's high cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $130,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $182,860.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 610 Materials Scientists, California presents a concentrated, albeit specialized, job market. The Location Quotient of 0.62 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, suggesting that while the field is established, it is not disproportionately represented, implying a steady demand for skilled professionals within specific industries.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Scientists in California earns+14.9%above the national average.
$62.6
$2,504
$10,852
Materials Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Materials Scientists in California has seen consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typical for specialized STEM roles in high-demand states, influenced by inflation, technological advancements, and increasing industry investment in research and development.
Materials Scientists Salary Distribution in California
The career trajectory for Materials Scientists in California typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists with extensive project leadership and specialized knowledge can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and proven track records.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $57,030 | $27.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $97,665 | $47 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $131,530 | $63.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $162,775 | $78.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $182,860 | $87.9 |
Detailed Materials Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$130,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,022
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal average salary of $130,220 for Materials Scientists in California is substantial, it must be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary, while still strong, is somewhat tempered by the elevated cost of housing, goods, and services.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
0.034
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
California has 0.62x the national average concentration of Materials Scientists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Materials Scientists in California suggests that the profession is less concentrated here than in the nation as a whole. This could indicate a more specialized demand within specific high-tech industries rather than a broad, widespread need across all sectors. It implies that while opportunities exist, they may be concentrated in particular geographic hubs or industries within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Materials Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Scientists make in California?
The median annual salary for a Materials Scientists in California is $130,220. This typically ranges from $57,030 for entry-level positions to $182,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 14.9% higher than the national median of $113,300.
Is California a lucrative place for Materials Scientists?
Yes, California is a lucrative place for Materials Scientists.The average salary of $130,220 significantly surpasses the national average, reflecting high demand and specialized industry needs within the state.
Is California a good place to live for Materials Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the cost of living affect a Materials Scientist's salary in California?
California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that the $130,220 average salary has less purchasing power than the national average salary in a lower cost-of-living area. Expenses like housing and transportation are considerably higher.
What does the Location Quotient of 0.62 imply for Materials Scientists in California?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.62, suggests that Materials Scientists are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This may point to specialized industry demand rather than widespread employment across all sectors.
How many Materials Scientists are there in California?
There are approximately 610 Materials Scientists working in California, representing a specific segment of the state's scientific and technical workforce.
Are there many job openings for Materials Scientists in California?
While the total workforce is 610, the low jobs per 1,000 workers (0.034) suggests that openings might be specific and tied to particular industries or research initiatives rather than a high volume of general positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.034 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California