Average Materials Scientists Salary in Massachusetts
Materials Scientists in Massachusetts earn an impressive average annual salary of $122,600, significantly surpassing the national average of $113,300. This premium compensation is largely driven by the state's robust innovation ecosystem, strong demand from advanced industries, and a highly skilled workforce, all contributing to a higher pay scale for specialized scientific talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $122,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,060.
- Outlook: The job market for Materials Scientists in Massachusetts appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 720 professionals. The Location Quotient of 3.66 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing towards strong and sustained demand within the state's key industries.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Scientists in Massachusetts earns+8.2%above the national average.
$58.9
$2,358
$10,217
Materials Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Materials Scientists in Massachusetts have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically fueled by ongoing advancements in materials science, increasing demand from high-tech sectors, and the general inflationary environment, all of which contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Materials Scientists Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
Salary progression for Materials Scientists in Massachusetts is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while senior scientists with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior compensation reflects significant career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $90,120 | $43.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $91,950 | $44.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $118,270 | $56.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $153,250 | $73.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $169,060 | $81.3 |
Detailed Materials Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$122,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,615
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
While the average annual salary for Materials Scientists in Massachusetts is $122,600, the state's Cost of Living Index stands at 148.4, considerably higher than the national average. This means that despite a higher nominal income, the purchasing power of a Materials Scientist's salary in Massachusetts is somewhat diminished due to the elevated cost of goods and services, particularly housing.
Job Market Context
720
Total Jobs
0.198
Per 1K Jobs
3.66
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 3.7x the national concentration of Materials Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 3.66 for Materials Scientists in Massachusetts signifies a highly concentrated job market, with these professionals being nearly four times more prevalent than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek out this expertise, suggesting a strong demand relative to the national landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Materials Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Materials Scientists Salary | $129,570↑ 6% | 14 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Materials Scientists Salary | $122,480↓ 0% | 24 mi |
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Scientists make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Materials Scientists in Massachusetts is $122,600. This typically ranges from $90,120 for entry-level positions to $169,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 8.2% higher than the national median of $113,300.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Materials Scientists?
Yes, Massachusetts is a highly lucrative state for Materials Scientists.The average salary of $122,600 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these roles (LQ of 3.66) points to strong employer demand.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Materials Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($129,570) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects for Materials Scientists in Massachusetts?
A local workforce of 720 Materials Scientists indicates a substantial presence in the state, suggesting a mature and active job market with numerous opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.66 mean for Materials Scientists in Massachusetts?
A Location Quotient of 3.66 means that Materials Scientists are 3.66 times more concentrated in Massachusetts than in the average U.S. state, highlighting a strong regional specialization and demand for these skills.
How does the cost of living in Massachusetts affect the real value of a Materials Scientist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, the higher salary in Massachusetts is partially offset by increased expenses. While the nominal income is high, the real purchasing power is reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Are there more Materials Scientist jobs per capita in Massachusetts compared to the national average?
Yes, with 0.198 jobs per 1,000 workers, Massachusetts has a higher density of Materials Scientist positions than the national average, indicating a greater availability of roles relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 720 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 0.198 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 Massachusetts