Comparison tool · BLS OEWS May 2025
Compare pay across areas
One occupation, up to four areas, on one scale — using only published BLS estimates. Areas without a published value are listed as “not published”, never estimated.
Materials Scientists: median annual wage
Source: BLS OEWS, May 20251 area compared
- $88,320 median for Iowa; middle half earns $67,590 to $124,100
Bars span the 25th–75th percentile (the middle half of workers); the tick marks the median.
| Area | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $52,450 | $67,590 | $88,320 | $124,100 | $149,020 | 180 |
Each area is a BLS-defined metro/nonmetropolitan area or state. Differences reflect local labor markets and are not adjusted for cost of living.
National overview: Materials Scientists across the U.S.
About this data. Estimates are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 release, retrieved from bls.gov/oes/tables.htm on July 24, 2026. OEWS estimates describe metropolitan/nonmetropolitan areas and states — not city limits — and are not designed for year-over-year comparisons. See BLS methodology, our plain-English methodology, and sources. CitySalaryData is independent and not affiliated with BLS.