Materials Science is a major in the STEM field. It offers a very high median lifetime income of $4.38 million. The coursework of this major is considered by students to be NA in difficulty. A very high share of 73% of students go on to obtain a masters, doctorate, or professional degree after their bachelors. The data on this page was constructed using a variety of data sources – see details here.
Materials Science Majors’ Salary Over the Career
This figure shows median earnings by age for those who majored in Materials Science but have a bachelor’s degree only (in red), and those who majored in Materials Science but obtained a masters degree or higher in green. For reference, in black are median earnings by age for all college graduates who have a bachelor’s degree only. Only men are included in these estimates.
Major Summary Table
This table highlights key outcomes for Materials Science majors, compared to averages for all majors.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | DEGFIELDD | Item | This Major | All Majors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Lifetime Income (millions $) | $1.67 | $3.04 |
| 2 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Early-Career Income | $28000 | $50000 |
| 3 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Mid-Career Income | $55000 | $97000 |
| 4 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Income Growth Over Career | 96% | 95% |
| 5 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Early Career Unemployment Rate | 9.4% | 4.9% |
| 6 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | % Female | 67% | 49% |
| 7 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Share with Masters Degree | 31% | 30% |
| 8 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Share with PhD | 1% | 6.7% |
| 9 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Share with Professional Degree | 3% | 6.4% |
| 10 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 10:03 PM | 6007 | Share of Degree-Holders Working in Top 10 Occupations | 40% | 48% |
Most Common Occupations by Degree Type and Age
Top 10 Early-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
The 10 most common occupations and median income within occupation among men aged 25-35 that have a bachelors degree only. Source: American Community Survey 2009-2022
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | DEGFIELDD | Share | Occupation | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 17 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | 23,400 |
| 2 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 6 | Agricultural workers, nec | 44,200 |
| 3 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 6 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing | 84,600 |
| 4 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 4 | First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers | 58,100 |
| 5 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 3 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 69,100 |
| 6 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 3 | Retail Salespersons | 61,300 |
| 7 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 3 | Grounds Maintenance Workers | 44,200 |
| 8 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 2 | First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | 53,900 |
| 9 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 2 | Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers | 45,400 |
| 10 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 05:42 PM | 1100 | 2 | Agricultural and Food Scientists | 69,100 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Bachelor’s only)
The 10 most common occupations and median wage income within occupation among men aged 45-55 that have a bachelors degree only. Source: American Community Survey 2009-2022
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | DEGFIELDD | Share | Occupation | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 16 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | 0 |
| 2 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 5 | First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers | 78,500 |
| 3 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 5 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 96,000 |
| 4 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 4 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing | 94,500 |
| 5 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 3 | Unemployed, with No Work Experience in the Last 5 Years or Earlier or Never Worked | 0 |
| 6 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 2 | Agricultural workers, nec | 39,800 |
| 7 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 2 | Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers | 44,800 |
| 8 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 2 | Chief executives and legislators/public administration | 99,500 |
| 9 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 2 | Retail Salespersons | 71,100 |
| 10 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:23 PM | 1100 | 2 | Carpenters | 0 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Occupations (Master’s Degree or higher)
The 10 most common occupations and median wage income within occupation among men aged 45-55 that have a masters degree, professional degree (eg, MD, PharmD), or PhD. Source: American Community Survey 2009-2022
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | DEGFIELDD | Share | Occupation | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 7 | Managers, nec (including Postmasters) | 118,000 |
| 2 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 7 | Postsecondary Teachers | 93,800 |
| 3 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 4 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | 86,900 |
| 4 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 4 | First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers | 30,200 |
| 5 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 4 | Veterinarians | 91,000 |
| 6 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 4 | Lawyers, and judges, magistrates, and other judicial workers | 135,000 |
| 7 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 4 | Education Administrators | 104,000 |
| 8 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 3 | Unemployed, with No Work Experience in the Last 5 Years or Earlier or Never Worked | 0 |
| 9 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 3 | Elementary and Middle School Teachers | 76,000 |
| 10 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 06:32 PM | 1100 | 2 | Physical Scientists, nec | 80,500 |
Most Common Industries by Age
Top 10 Early-Career Industries
The 10 most common industries and median wage income within industry among men aged 25-35 that have at least a Bachelor’s degree. Source: American Community Survey 2009-2022
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | DEGFIELDD | Share | Industry | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 19 | Agricultural production, crops | 45,500 |
| 2 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 7 | Agricultural production, livestock | 39,300 |
| 3 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 6 | All construction | 54,000 |
| 4 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 3 | Landscape and horticultural services | 44,200 |
| 5 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 3 | Retail nurseries and garden stores | 65,900 |
| 6 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 3 | Colleges and universities | 52,200 |
| 7 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 3 | Administration of economic programs | 63,700 |
| 8 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 3 | Elementary and secondary schools | 58,700 |
| 9 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 2 | Justice, public order, and safety | 63,200 |
| 10 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:34 PM | 1100 | 2 | Insurance | 76,900 |
Top 10 Mid-Career Industries
The 10 most common industries and median wage income within industry among men aged 45-55 that have at least a Bachelor’s degree. Source: American Community Survey 2009-2022
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | DEGFIELDD | Share | Industry | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 13 | Agricultural production, crops | 34,500 |
| 2 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 6 | All construction | 41,000 |
| 3 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 5 | Agricultural production, livestock | 28,800 |
| 4 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 4 | Colleges and universities | 82,100 |
| 5 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 4 | Elementary and secondary schools | 73,600 |
| 6 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 3 | Administration of economic programs | 94,800 |
| 7 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 3 | N/A (not applicable) | 0 |
| 8 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 2 | Landscape and horticultural services | 32,700 |
| 9 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 2 | Eating and drinking places | 33,800 |
| 10 | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | bigeconomics.main | 01/27/2024 07:41 PM | 1100 | 2 | Justice, public order, and safety | 85,100 |
