Medical Scientist Salary in the United States
Based on 165K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$92,243
$44.348/hr
▲ 2.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$81K – $180K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
165K
workers nationwide
Medical Scientists in the United States earn a median salary of $89,708 per year, reflecting the specialized expertise required in laboratory research and diagnostics. With approximately 155,530 workers currently employed in this field, medical scientists represent a significant portion of the U.S. research workforce. Salaries in this profession typically range from $80,480 to $169,080 annually, demonstrating considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence medical scientist salary in the United States, including education level, years of experience, geographic location, and employer type. Research positions at academic institutions, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies often offer different compensation packages. Additionally, specialized certifications, published research contributions, and advanced degrees like a Ph.D. can substantially impact earning potential within this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,320 |
| 25th percentile | $109,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $92,243 |
| 75th percentile | $162,020 |
| 90th percentile | $180,060 |
Medical Scientist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Medical Scientist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $136,990 | +48.5% | 30K |
| 2 | New Jersey | $129,280 | +40.2% | 6K |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $128,210 | +39.0% | 17K |
| 4 | Connecticut | $116,990 | +26.8% | 2K |
| 5 | Arizona | $116,820 | +26.6% | 2K |
| 6 | Oregon | $111,030 | +20.4% | 1K |
| 7 | Maryland | $106,000 | +14.9% | 7K |
| 8 | Washington | $105,680 | +14.6% | 6K |
| 9 | Alaska | $104,930 | +13.8% | 260 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $103,370 | +12.1% | 670 |
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Scientist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $92,243 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make per hour in the United States?
- Medical scientists earn an average of $43 per hour in the United States. This hourly rate corresponds to the median annual salary of $89,708 for the profession.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in the US?
- Medical scientist salaries in the United States range from $80,480 at the lower end to $169,080 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer type.
Which state pays medical scientists the most?
- California offers the highest salary for medical scientists, with a top paying average of $131,430 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median salary of $89,708.
How many medical scientists are employed in the United States?
- There are currently 155,530 medical scientists employed across the United States. This represents a substantial workforce in the medical research and scientific field.