Medical Scientist Salary in the United States
Based on 165K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$92,243
$44.35/hr
▲ 2.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$64K – $167K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
165K
workers nationwide
The Medical Scientist salary in the United States reflects a critical role in advancing healthcare and scientific understanding. With a median annual income of $92,243, or approximately $44 per hour, these professionals play a vital part in research and development.
Several factors influence the compensation for Medical Scientists, including years of experience, educational attainment, and the specific industry or institution they work for. Location also plays a significant role, with some states offering considerably higher earning potential than others, impacting the overall Medical Scientist salary in the United States.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,863 |
| 25th percentile | $75,101 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $92,243 |
| 75th percentile | $120,235 |
| 90th percentile | $166,665 |
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 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Industry
How much Medical Scientists earn across industries nationwide — Wholesale Trade pays the most ($160,000 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wholesale Trade | $160,000 | +73.5% | 6K |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $132,720 | +43.9% | 3K |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $132,620 | +43.8% | 2K |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $126,340 | +37.0% | 63K |
| 5 | Manufacturing | $118,960 | +29.0% | 8K |
| 6 | Administrative and Support Services | $108,370 | +17.5% | 1K |
| 7 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $99,420 | +7.8% | 200 |
| 8 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $94,460 | +2.4% | 59K |
| 9 | Educational Services | $80,210 | -13.0% | 29K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Medical Scientist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Medical Scientist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University | $67,259 | 89 |
| 2 | Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | $75,000 | 73 |
| 3 | Mayo Clinic | $75,684 | 71 |
| 4 | University Of Michigan | $65,624 | 65 |
| 5 | Columbia University | $80,170 | 62 |
| 6 | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | $80,000 | 61 |
| 7 | Ut Southwestern Medical Center | $70,344 | 61 |
| 8 | Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai | $90,000 | 55 |
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Scientist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $94,850 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,101 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $92,243 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $120,235 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $166,665 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Medical Scientist in the US?
- The median salary for a Medical Scientist in the United States is $92,243 per year. This figure represents the midpoint, meaning half of Medical Scientists earn more and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Medical Scientists?
- The salary range for Medical Scientists in the US typically falls between $63,863 and $166,665 annually. This broad range highlights the varying compensation based on experience and specialization.
Which state pays Medical Scientists the most?
- California stands out as the top-paying state for Medical Scientists, with an average salary of $136,990 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Medical Scientists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 164,990 Medical Scientists employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial workforce dedicated to scientific research and medical advancements.