Medical Scientist Salary in California
Based on 30K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$136,990
$65.861/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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Scientist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $123,980 |
| 2023 | $128,320 |
| 2024 | $131,430 |
| 2025 | $136,990 |
| 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 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in California
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
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.