Career Comparison Dashboard

Comparing 2 careers • Side-by-side analysis

Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

Quick Comparison

Career Highlights

When comparing Materials Engineers and Chemists and Materials Scientists, several key differences and similarities emerge. Materials Engineers offers a median salary of $108,310, the highest among these roles, while Chemists and Materials Scientists earns $86,620, the lowest. In terms of job growth, Materials Engineers is projected to grow at +6.0%, the fastest, while Chemists and Materials Scientists is expected to grow at +5.0%, the slowest.

Job opportunities also differ: Materials Engineers has 23,000 positions (fewest jobs), while Chemists and Materials Scientists offers 95,500 (most jobs). Education requirements for Materials Engineers typically include Bachelor's degree, while Chemists and Materials Scientists requires Bachelor's degree.

When it comes to work-life balance, Materials Engineers and Chemists and Materials Scientists may differ, with one typically offering a more balanced lifestyle and the other potentially having a more demanding schedule. Automation risk is lower for Materials Engineers if its score is lower, meaning it is more secure from technological replacement, while Chemists and Materials Scientists may face a higher risk if its score is higher. In terms of personality fit, Materials Engineers is best suited for those who align with its Holland code profile, while Chemists and Materials Scientists matches a different set of interests and strengths.

This side-by-side analysis helps you weigh salary, growth, job opportunities, education, work-life balance, automation risk, accessibility, and personality fit to find the best career for your goals and lifestyle.

Each career excels in different areas, or available data varies between roles. Use this comparison to find the best fit for your goals, salary expectations, and future growth.

Materials Engineers

Chemists and Materials Scientists

Materials Engineers

$108,310
+6.0%

Requirements

Bachelor's degree 23,000 jobs

Automation Risk

Low
17% chance of being automated

Work-Life Balance

8.1/10
8.1/10

Top Skills

Analytical skills Computer skills Math skills Problem-solving skills Communication skills

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

What They Do

Materials Engineers research, develop, and test materials used to create products and structures. They analyze metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites to ensure strength, durability, and suitability for specific applications. Their work is critical in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and construction industries.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, chemistry, physics, and designing materials for practical applications.

What Do Materials Engineers Do?

Materials engineers study and develop materials for use in products and structures.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Analyzing material properties and performance under different conditions
  • Developing new materials and improving existing ones
  • Testing materials for strength, durability, and suitability
  • Collaborating with designers, engineers, and manufacturers
  • Ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
  • Documenting findings and preparing technical reports
  • Troubleshooting material failures or defects

Key Areas of Materials Engineering

Materials engineers may specialize in specific fields:

  • Metallurgy: Working with metals for construction and manufacturing
  • Polymers and Plastics: Designing plastics and synthetic materials
  • Ceramics and Composites: Creating advanced materials for high-performance applications
  • Nanomaterials: Developing materials at the molecular or atomic scale
  • Quality and Safety: Testing and ensuring materials meet standards

Skills and Abilities Needed

Materials engineers combine technical expertise with analytical skills.

Core Professional Skills

- Materials science and engineering principles - Laboratory testing and experimentation - Data analysis and technical reporting - Knowledge of manufacturing processes - Problem-solving and troubleshooting - Familiarity with safety and regulatory standards

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills - Attention to detail and precision - Creativity and innovation - Patience and perseverance - Ability to work independently or in teams - Effective communication and collaboration skills

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires formal education and training:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (common): Materials science, engineering, chemistry, or related fields
  • Internships or Co-ops: Hands-on experience in labs or manufacturing
  • Certifications (optional): Specialty materials or engineering credentials
  • Continuous Learning: Staying current with new materials, technology, and research

Where Do Materials Engineers Work?

They are employed across industries that design, manufacture, or research materials:

  • Aerospace and Automotive Companies
  • Electronics and Technology Firms
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Plants
  • Research Laboratories and Universities
  • Construction and Infrastructure Companies

Work environments may include offices, laboratories, factories, or testing facilities.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires strong technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and attention to detail. Engineers must solve complex material challenges and ensure quality, safety, and innovation.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

  • Enjoy chemistry, physics, and materials science
  • Are analytical and detail-oriented
  • Like solving technical problems
  • Have interest in manufacturing, aerospace, or technology
  • Want a career that combines research and practical application

How to Prepare Early

  • Take math, chemistry, physics, and engineering courses in high school
  • Explore materials science or engineering programs in college
  • Participate in internships or lab experiences
  • Learn laboratory and data analysis techniques
  • Stay informed on emerging materials and technology

Materials engineers develop and test the materials that form the foundation of modern products and infrastructure, ensuring safety, performance, and innovation.

Key Industries

Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals Transportation equipment manufacturing Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences Computer and electronic product manufacturing Engineering services

Chemists and Materials Scientists

$86,620
+5.0%

Requirements

Bachelor's degree 95,500 jobs

Automation Risk

Low
8% chance of being automated

Work-Life Balance

7.5/10
7.5/10

Top Skills

Analytical skills Communication skills Interpersonal skills Math skills Organizational skills Perseverance +2 more

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

What They Do

Chemists and Materials Scientists conduct research and experiments to analyze substances, develop new materials, and improve chemical processes. They study the composition, properties, and reactions of matter to advance science and technology. Their work is critical in pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, environmental science, and materials development.

This career is well suited for individuals who enjoy scientific research, problem-solving, and innovation.

What Do Chemists and Materials Scientists Do?

These professionals analyze materials, conduct experiments, and develop solutions for practical and industrial applications.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Conducting laboratory experiments to study chemical properties and reactions
  • Developing and testing new materials for strength, durability, or chemical resistance
  • Analyzing data and interpreting results to inform research or production
  • Ensuring safety and compliance with laboratory and industry standards
  • Preparing technical reports, research papers, and documentation
  • Collaborating with engineers, scientists, and industrial teams
  • Evaluating materials for quality control and product development

Key Areas of Chemistry and Materials Science

Chemists and materials scientists may specialize in particular materials, industries, or applications:

  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Developing and testing drugs and medical compounds
  • Materials Research: Creating polymers, metals, ceramics, or nanomaterials
  • Environmental Chemistry: Studying pollution, chemical hazards, and sustainability
  • Analytical Chemistry: Performing chemical analyses for research or quality control
  • Process Development: Designing and improving chemical manufacturing processes

Skills and Abilities Needed

These professionals combine analytical, technical, and research skills.

Core Professional Skills

- Laboratory techniques and chemical analysis - Materials testing and development - Data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation - Experiment design and research methodology - Safety protocols and regulatory compliance - Technical writing and reporting

Personal Qualities That Matter

- Analytical and critical thinking - Attention to detail and precision - Curiosity and innovative mindset - Patience and persistence in research - Strong communication and teamwork skills - Problem-solving and adaptability

Education and Career Pathway

This role typically requires formal education and research experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (minimum): Chemistry, materials science, or related field
  • Master’s or Doctoral Degree (common for research roles): Specialization in chemistry or materials science
  • Laboratory Experience: Internships, co-op programs, or research projects
  • Professional Development: Training in advanced techniques, software, or equipment
  • Continuous Learning: Staying current with scientific research, materials innovations, and industry trends

Where Do Chemists and Materials Scientists Work?

They are employed in organizations that research, develop, and manufacture chemical or material products:

  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
  • Chemical and Materials Manufacturing Firms
  • Research Institutions and Universities
  • Environmental and Regulatory Agencies
  • Industrial Laboratories and Product Development Centers

Work environments include laboratories, research facilities, manufacturing sites, and offices.

Is This Career Difficult?

This career requires scientific expertise, analytical skills, and precision. Chemists and materials scientists must design experiments, analyze complex data, and maintain safety and quality standards.

Who Should Consider This Career?

This career may be a strong fit if you:

  • Enjoy scientific research, experimentation, and problem-solving
  • Are detail-oriented and analytical
  • Can work independently or collaboratively in laboratory settings
  • Have strong communication and technical writing skills
  • Want a career contributing to innovation in chemistry and materials science

How to Prepare Early

  • Take courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and materials science
  • Participate in laboratory experiments, science fairs, or research projects
  • Gain experience through internships or co-op programs
  • Develop skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific writing
  • Explore advanced degree programs or certifications in chemistry or materials science

Chemists and materials scientists advance knowledge and technology by analyzing substances, developing new materials, and improving chemical processes for practical and industrial applications.

Key Industries

Federal government, excluding postal service Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences Chemical manufacturing Testing laboratories and services Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services