How much does a medical scientist make?
a year · about $50 an hour
A typical medical scientist in the United States makes $103,410 a year, about $50 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A medical scientist might plan a study, use protective gloves to examine cells or other samples, and record what happens. Then they analyze the results, discuss them with teammates, and write or present what they learned.
Did you know? Surprise: Medical scientists in the U.S. usually do not need a medical license unless they treat patients as part of their work.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $64,800 and $177,780How do you become one?
In the U.S., earn a science bachelor’s degree, then usually a Ph.D. in biology or a related life science; some choose medical school or both. Ph.D. researchers often train in a postdoctoral lab, and a license is usually needed only if they treat patients.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and advanced degrees or credentials, the employer (such as a research company, hospital, or university), and location. More complex duties and greater responsibility can also affect pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($136,990), lowest in Oklahoma ($76,480).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $64,800 | $103,410 | $177,780 | about 172,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $136,990 | about 30,000 |
| New Jersey | $129,280 | about 6,000 |
| Massachusetts | $128,210 | about 17,000 |
| Connecticut | $116,990 | about 2,000 |
| Arizona | $116,820 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research. Practitioners who primarily provide medical or dental care or dispense drugs are included in “Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners” (29-1000).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1042.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY