Materials Scientists
Life, Physical, and Social Science · SOC 19-2032
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
Top Skills
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
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.
Common titles: Applications Scientist, Materials Research Engineer, Materials Scientist, Metallurgical Engineer, Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist), Polymer Materials Consultant
Representative Tasks
- •Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- •Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
- •Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- •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.
- •Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
- •Test quality of materials or finished products.
- •Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
- •Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- •Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
Tools & Technologies
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 18.4% | 13.2% |
| Outlook | Average | 46% Bright |
| Median Salary | $117,790 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 82/100 | N/A |