Materials Scientists
SOC Code: 19-2032
Materials Scientistss 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. This career typically requires considerable preparation (2-4 years). With an AI-proof score of 95.3/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Science, Reading Comprehension, Writing.
AI-Proof Score: 95.3 — Very High
💰
Median Salary
$104,160
📈
Job Growth
4.9%
⏱️
Training Time
Considerable preparation (2-4 years)
🎓
Job Zone
Zone 4 / 5
💵
Training Cost
~$40,000
Key Skills
- •Science
- •Reading Comprehension
- •Writing
- •Critical Thinking
- •Speaking
- •Complex Problem Solving
- •Active Listening
- •Active Learning
Common 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.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation