Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace materials scientists?AI replacement risk 66% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$117,790
25th–75th pct. $89,990–$150,550
Top pay (est.)
$256,500
Top 10% $197,290
Pay in 5 years
$134,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$154,300est.
$132,700–$179,100
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
66%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+8.3%
600 openings / yr

Will AI replace Materials Scientists? AI replacement risk

66%
High
Ranked #707 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Materials Scientists

Key skills

Science
4.9
Reading Comprehension
4.8
Writing
4.4
Critical Thinking
4.2
Complex Problem Solving
4.1
Active Listening
4.1
Speaking
4.1
Active Learning
4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology
6.0
Mathematics
5.7
Chemistry
5.7
Physics
5.6
Computers and Electronics
4.6
Design
4.4
Mechanical
4.4
Production and Processing
4.3

What the work involves

Processing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAnalyzing Data or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
62%
Doctoral degree
14%
Master's degree
10%
Associate's degree
5%
Post-doctoral training
5%
Post-bachelor's certificate
5%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
38%
1–2 years
14%
6–12 months
14%
None / short demo
10%
1–3 months
10%
3–6 months
10%
2–4 years
5%

Related work experience

None
24%
1–2 years
24%
3–6 months
14%
2–4 years
10%
4–6 years
10%
6–12 months
10%
1–3 months
5%
8–10 years
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.