Medical Scientist Salary in Alabama
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$68,490
$32.93/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
-25.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $135K
Medical Scientists in Alabama earn a median salary of $65,750 per year, with approximately 1,460 workers currently employed in the state. This figure falls 27% below the national average, reflecting regional variations in compensation across the biomedical research sector. Understanding the salary landscape helps both job seekers and employers benchmark fair compensation in Alabama's medical science field.
Several factors influence Medical Scientist salary in Alabama, including experience level, educational credentials, employer type, and specific research specialization. Medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions may offer different compensation packages. Additionally, the cost of living in Alabama and regional demand for research talent contribute to overall wage trends in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,140 |
| 25th percentile | $60,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,490 |
| 75th percentile | $82,900 |
| 90th percentile | $135,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Medical Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Medical Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Medical Scientists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $160,000 | 6K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $132,720 | 3K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $132,620 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $126,340 | 63K |
| Manufacturing | $118,960 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Scientist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,130 |
| 2023 | $64,320 |
| 2024 | $65,750 |
| 2025 | $68,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,344 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,130 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $64,320 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $65,750 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $68,490 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,344 | $96,087 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $82,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $135,150 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Medical Scientist ($68,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AL | $139,330 | +103.4% | $66.99/hr |
| Chemist in AL | $97,830 | +42.8% | $47.03/hr |
| Psychologist in AL | $90,800 | +32.6% | $43.65/hr |
| Geoscientist in AL | $88,610 | +29.4% | $42.60/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AL | $72,490 | +5.8% | $34.85/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AL | $70,710 | +3.2% | $34.00/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AL | $48,510 | -29.2% | $23.32/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in AL | $69,000 | +0.7% | $33.17/hr |
| Writer and Author in AL | $66,950 | -2.2% | $32.19/hr |
| Loan Officer in AL | $66,710 | -2.6% | $32.07/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in AL | $66,190 | -3.4% | $31.82/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in AL | $66,150 | -3.4% | $31.80/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in Alabama?
- Medical scientists in Alabama earn a median salary of $65,750 per year, or approximately $32 per hour. This is 26.7% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in Alabama?
- Medical scientist salaries in Alabama range from $47,970 at the lower end to $119,020 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and specialization.
How many medical scientists work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 1,460 medical scientists employed in Alabama, making it a relatively specialized field within the state's workforce.
Is the medical scientist salary in Alabama competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Alabama's median medical scientist salary of $65,750 is notably lower than the national average, representing a 26.7% difference in compensation for this role.