What Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease"; "Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination"; "Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels"; "Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians"; "Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is doctoral or professional degree.
Job outlook for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 181,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 203,700 in 2035, an increase of 22,700 jobs (+12.6%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 10,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $103,410, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn the most
Across the 8 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $99,831 in Pennsylvania to $143,176 in California, a gap of $43,345 (1.43 times). 5 of those 8 states average above the BLS national median of $103,410 and 3 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 27,650, which is 22.0% of the 125,630 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 19,300.
Highest-paying states
California ($143,176), New Hampshire ($129,273) and Massachusetts ($127,532) lead the ranking, while Pennsylvania ($99,831) and Maryland ($102,170) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 10 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Alameda County, CA (San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA) at $72,550. The smallest margin is $35,226 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 10 of the 10 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 21.2% and 43.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (19-1000) include Biochemists and Biophysicists.
Frequently asked questions about Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
How much do Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $103,410. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $99,831 to $143,176.
Which state pays Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $143,176. New Hampshire is next at $129,273.
Is Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 12.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 10,500 openings a year.
What education do Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree, according to BLS.
Where can Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Alameda County, CA leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $72,550 on a median wage of $160,180.