Average Materials Scientists Salary in New Jersey
Materials Scientists in New Jersey earn an average annual salary of $96,210, which is below the national average of $113,300. This differential is often influenced by the specific industry demands and the concentration of related research and development facilities within the state, which can shape compensation benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,210 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $130,150.
- Outlook: The New Jersey materials science job market shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.73, indicating a significantly higher presence of these professionals than the national average. While the total local workforce of 630 is modest, this high concentration suggests robust demand and specialized opportunities within the state's scientific and industrial sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Scientists in New Jersey earns-15.1%below the national average.
$46.3
$1,850
$8,018
Materials Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Materials Scientists in New Jersey have experienced a positive growth trend, mirroring national patterns of increasing compensation in specialized STEM fields. This growth is typically driven by advancements in materials technology, increased demand from innovative industries, and the need to attract and retain skilled professionals in a competitive market.
Materials Scientists Salary Distribution in New Jersey
The career trajectory for Materials Scientists in New Jersey typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower than the average, while senior scientists with extensive expertise and leadership roles can command salaries well above the $96,210 mark. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on specialized knowledge and proven track records in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $74,990 | $36.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,158 | $34.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $83,120 | $40 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,263 | $57.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $130,150 | $62.6 |
Detailed Materials Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,210
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,596
Adjusted for COL (112.4)
While the nominal salary for Materials Scientists in New Jersey is $96,210, the state's Cost of Living Index of 112.4 (meaning it's 12.4% higher than the national average) suggests that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished. Professionals considering a move to New Jersey should factor in these higher living expenses when evaluating the overall financial attractiveness of a position.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
0.148
Per 1K Jobs
2.73
Location Quotient
New Jersey has 2.7x 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.
New Jersey's Location Quotient of 2.73 for Materials Scientists signifies a highly concentrated talent pool and job market compared to the rest of the United States. This suggests that the state is a key hub for this profession, potentially offering more specialized roles and a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and scientists looking for opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Materials Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Materials Scientists Salary | $100,050↑ 4% | 14 mi |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Materials Scientists Salary | $112,100↑ 17% | 39 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Materials Scientists Salary | $112,150↑ 17% | 42 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Materials Scientists Salary | $102,150↑ 6% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Jersey
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Scientists make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for a Materials Scientists in New Jersey is $96,210. This typically ranges from $74,990 for entry-level positions to $130,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 15.1% lower than the national median of $113,300.
Is New Jersey a lucrative place for Materials Scientists?
Yes, with caveats.New Jersey offers a highly concentrated job market for Materials Scientists, indicated by a strong Location Quotient. However, the average salary is below the national average, and the cost of living is higher, requiring careful financial planning.
Is New Jersey a good place to live for Materials Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($100,050) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ.
How does the number of Materials Scientists in New Jersey compare nationally?
With 630 professionals locally and a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 0.148, New Jersey has a significantly higher concentration of Materials Scientists than the national average, as shown by its Location Quotient of 2.73.
What is the average salary for a Materials Scientist in New Jersey?
The average annual salary for a Materials Scientist in New Jersey is $96,210.
How does New Jersey's cost of living affect a Materials Scientist's salary?
New Jersey's Cost of Living Index is 112.4, which is 12.4% higher than the national average. This means that the $96,210 salary may have less purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Is the demand for Materials Scientists high in New Jersey?
The high Location Quotient of 2.73 suggests a strong demand and concentration of Materials Scientists in New Jersey, indicating a robust job market for this profession within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.148 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 New Jersey