DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
19-2032 Materials Scientists
Occupational Description:
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 60 | 17 | $44.13/hr | $2.52/hr | $23.84/hr | $28.64/hr | $38.98/hr | $56.39/hr | $71.62/hr |
| U S | 6,710 | 403 | $48.78/hr | $0.88/hr | $25.24/hr | $33.54/hr | $47.02/hr | $61.36/hr | $76.65/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Chemists | 1,910 | $41.29/hr | 1.7% |
| Chemical Technicians | 1,580 | $23.48/hr | 1.7% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 1,390 | $59.58/hr | 1.2% |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | 230 | $38.63/hr | 0.6% |
| Physicists | 160 | $60.41/hr | 2.0% |
Tasks for Materials Scientists
- Plans laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques to produce materials having special characteristics.
- Reports materials study findings for other scientists and requesters.
- Guides technical staff engaged in developing materials for specific use in projected product or device.
- Studies structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics to obtain research data.
