Medical Scientist Salary in California
Based on 30K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$136,990
$65.86/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+48.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $180K
30K employed in California
Medical scientists in California earn a median salary of $136,990 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 49 percent. With approximately 29,830 medical scientists employed across the state, California offers some of the most competitive compensation in the field. The salary range spans from $81,320 to $180,060 annually, reflecting considerable variation among professionals in this specialized healthcare research sector.
Medical scientist salary in California is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific research focus area. Geographic location within the state matters as well, with major biotech hubs and research institutions typically offering higher compensation packages. Employer type—whether academic institutions, private pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies—also plays a significant role in determining overall pay and benefits for qualified professionals.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,320 |
| 25th percentile | $109,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,990 |
| 75th percentile | $162,020 |
| 90th percentile | $180,060 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $123,980 |
| 2023 | $128,320 |
| 2024 | $131,430 |
| 2025 | $136,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,785 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $123,980 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $128,320 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $131,430 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $136,990 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,785 | $96,145 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $109,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $136,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $180,060 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Medical Scientist ($136,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | +51.5% | $99.75/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in CA | $139,580 | +1.9% | $67.11/hr |
| Psychologist in CA | $116,000 | -15.3% | $55.77/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CA | $109,610 | -20.0% | $52.70/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CA | $106,510 | -22.2% | $51.21/hr |
| Geoscientist in CA | $106,500 | -22.3% | $51.20/hr |
| Chemist in CA | $97,860 | -28.6% | $47.05/hr |
| Optometrist in CA | $136,300 | -0.5% | $65.53/hr |
| Art Director in CA | $137,780 | +0.6% | $66.24/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in CA | $136,110 | -0.6% | $65.44/hr |
| Statistician in CA | $135,960 | -0.8% | $65.37/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in CA | $138,570 | +1.2% | $66.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in California?
- Medical scientists in California earn a median salary of $136,990 per year, or $66 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 48.5% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in California?
- Medical scientist salaries in California range from $81,320 at the lower end to $180,060 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is being a medical scientist in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, medical scientists in California earn 48.5% more than the national average salary. The state's median of $136,990 annually makes it a significantly more lucrative location for this profession.
How many medical scientists are employed in California?
- California currently employs approximately 29,830 medical scientists, making it a major hub for this profession in the United States.