Medical Scientist Salary in Arizona
Based on 2K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$116,820
$56.16/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+26.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $155K
2K employed in Arizona
Medical scientists in Arizona earn a median salary of $116,820 per year, positioning the state as an attractive location for research professionals. With approximately 2,190 medical scientists employed throughout Arizona, this represents a robust job market. Notably, Arizona's median compensation runs 27% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for skilled researchers in the state's growing biomedical sector.
Several factors influence medical scientist salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific employer type. Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government facilities typically offer varying compensation packages. Additionally, geographic location within Arizona and specialization within medical sciences—such as genetics, immunology, or clinical research—can significantly impact earning potential for individual professionals in the field.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,430 |
| 25th percentile | $81,840 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $116,820 |
| 75th percentile | $136,260 |
| 90th percentile | $154,550 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,940 |
| 2023 | $98,280 |
| 2024 | $102,250 |
| 2025 | $116,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $123,829 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,940 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $98,280 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $102,250 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $116,820 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $123,829 | $97,778 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,840 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $116,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $154,550 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Medical Scientist ($116,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AZ | $130,500 | +11.7% | $62.74/hr |
| Psychologist in AZ | $119,010 | +1.9% | $57.22/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AZ | $102,400 | -12.3% | $49.23/hr |
| Geoscientist in AZ | $85,190 | -27.1% | $40.96/hr |
| Chemist in AZ | $81,730 | -30.0% | $39.29/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AZ | $80,600 | -31.0% | $38.75/hr |
| Construction Manager in AZ | $114,680 | -1.8% | $55.13/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in AZ | $114,400 | -2.1% | $55.00/hr |
| Optometrist in AZ | $122,250 | +4.6% | $58.77/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AZ | $123,170 | +5.4% | $59.22/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in AZ | $124,810 | +6.8% | $60.00/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AZ | $125,260 | +7.2% | $60.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in Arizona?
- Medical scientists in Arizona earn a median salary of $116,820 per year, or $56 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 26.6% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in Arizona?
- Medical scientist salaries in Arizona range from $70,430 at the lower end to $154,550 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
Is the medical scientist salary in Arizona above the national average?
- Yes, Arizona's median medical scientist salary of $116,820 is 26.6% higher than the national average. This makes Arizona an attractive state for medical scientists seeking competitive compensation.
How many medical scientists are employed in Arizona?
- There are currently 2,190 medical scientists employed in Arizona. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's research and healthcare sectors.