Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Salary 2025: $103,410 Median, 8.7% Growth
Medical scientists (excluding epidemiologists) earned a median $103,410 per year in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary is $116,840, with the top 10% pulling in over $177,780. This occupation spans both academic research and private-sector R&D, with 172,340 jobs nationwide.
How much Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn
The typical range runs from $64,800 at the 10th percentile to $177,780 at the 90th. That means entry-level roles start around $64,800 while experienced scientists in pharma or biotech can clear $177,000. Mean hourly wage is $56.17.
Pay varies by industry: the federal government pays a mean $131,150; scientific R&D services pay $128,370; and hospitals pay around $111,220. Universities and colleges lag at $84,340.
Pay by state
California leads at $136,990 mean annual wage, followed by New Jersey ($129,280), Massachusetts ($128,210), Connecticut ($116,990), and Arizona ($116,820).
The lowest-paying states for medical scientists are Mississippi ($54,040), North Dakota ($64,470), and Vermont ($66,500). Relocating to a high-cost, high-pay area like the Bay Area or Boston can boost earnings significantly.
How to become a Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologist
The minimum education is a doctoral or professional degree, typically a Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Some positions—especially in clinical research—may accept a master's with experience, but a doctorate is standard for independent research.
Typical steps include earning a bachelor's in a life science, obtaining a Ph.D. (4-6 years), and often completing postdoctoral training (2-4 years). Licensing is not universal but many roles require certification from bodies like the American Board of Medical Genetics. Most scientists start as research assistants or postdocs.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or pre-med (4 years).
- Ph.D. in biomedical science or related field (4–6 years).
- Postdoctoral fellowship for specialized lab experience (2–4 years).
- Optional: board certification in clinical specialties (e.g., medical genetics).
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 8.7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 9,600 new openings each year over the decade, driven by aging population and continued R&D investment in pharmaceuticals, genomics, and biotechnology.
Most openings come from replacement needs as scientists retire or change fields. The federal government also hires medical scientists for agencies like the NIH and FDA. Competition for tenure-track academic positions is stiff; private-sector and government roles offer stronger job growth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a medical scientist in 2025?
The median annual salary is $103,410, with a range from $64,800 to $177,780. The mean is $116,840, or about $56 per hour.
Do medical scientists need a medical degree?
No, most have a Ph.D. in a life science. A medical degree (M.D.) is not required unless the role involves patient care or clinical trials; many medical scientists hold only a Ph.D.
What is the job growth for medical scientists?
Employment is projected to grow 8.7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, adding about 9,600 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists data.