Materials Science Technicians
Impact: Indirect
Materials Science Technicians assist materials scientists and engineers in researching, developing, and testing materials. They prepare samples, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, conduct tests, and record data. Their work is crucial for assessing material properties, ensuring quality control, and supporting the development of new materials for various applications.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- Team-oriented
- Client facing
- Rarely
- Impact visibility
- Moderate
- Travel
- Low
- Schedule flexibility
- Rigid
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 40 hours
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $55,000
- Entry-level
- $48,000
- Senior
- $78,000
- Growth by 2033
- 5%
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- Moderate
- Typical student debt
- $15,000 - $25,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Material Testing
- Laboratory Equipment Operation
- Data Analysis
Soft skills
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Communication
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- Associate's degree
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 5
- Years to senior
- 10
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Materials Science Technician
- Senior Materials Science Technician
- Lab Supervisor
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- Moderate
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 4/10
- Meaning
- 4/10
- Work-life balance
- 4/10
- Prestige
- 5.5/10
- Social perception
- Moderate