Estimate · based on BLS national data

Materials Scientists in Rhode Island

$145,107 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$69.76 per hour

▲ 15.0% above U.S. average5th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$145,107per year
Median$135,458per year
Hourly$69.76per hour
10th – 90th percentile$84,345 – $208,732per year

Materials Scientists Pay Range in Rhode Island

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$84,345
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$114,353
  • 50th Percentile — Median$135,458
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$181,871
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$208,732

Half of Materials Scientists in Rhode Island earn more than $135,458. The top 10% make $208,732 or more, while entry-level workers start around $84,345.

Materials Scientists in Rhode Island: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • Rhode Island ranks 5th of 51 states for Materials Scientists pay, at $145,107 per year (15.0% above the U.S. average of $126,180).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $84,345; the top 10% earn over $208,732.
  • Hourly equivalent: $69.76 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $195,579.
  • Among science jobs in Rhode Island, Physicists pays the most ($169,270).

Materials Scientists Job Market in Rhode Island

Key factors affecting compensation

Rhode Island's key industries are Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing, and its job market is rated moderate. Materials Scientists here earn $145,107 on average, placing the state 5th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 1.15 (U.S. = 1.00), a Rhode Island salary of $145,107 is roughly equivalent to $126,180 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Hawaii ($195,579), California ($189,460), Alaska ($166,558) are the closest alternatives for Materials Scientists weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Materials Scientists salary in Rhode Island?

The average Materials Scientists salary in Rhode Island is $145,107 per year (median $135,458), which is 15.0% above the national average of $126,180.

How does Rhode Island rank for Materials Scientists pay?

Rhode Island ranks 5th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($195,579/yr).

How much do entry-level Materials Scientists make in Rhode Island?

The lowest-paid 10% of Materials Scientists in Rhode Island earn about $84,345 per year and the 25th percentile is $114,353.

How much do Materials Scientists make per hour in Rhode Island?

About $69.76 per hour, based on the $145,107 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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