Medical Scientist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 670+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$101,940
$49.01/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+10.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $195K
670 employed in District of Columbia
Medical Scientists in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $101,940 per year, reflecting the region's status as a major hub for research and healthcare innovation. With approximately 670 workers employed in this field, the medical scientist salary in District of Columbia runs 11% above the national average, positioning the area among the more competitive markets for this profession.
Compensation for medical scientists varies considerably based on experience, education level, and specific employer type. In the District of Columbia, salaries typically range from $66,100 to $195,190 annually, with variation influenced by whether positions are in government agencies, academic institutions, or private research facilities. Advanced degrees and specialized expertise in high-demand research areas further impact earning potential in this competitive metropolitan region.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,100 |
| 25th percentile | $78,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,940 |
| 75th percentile | $131,810 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,200 |
| 2023 | $114,260 |
| 2024 | $110,830 |
| 2025 | $101,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,940 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,200 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $114,260 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $110,830 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $101,940 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,940 | $92,243 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Medical Scientist ($101,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in DC | $157,040 | +54.1% | $75.50/hr |
| Chemist in DC | $149,860 | +47.0% | $72.05/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in DC | $137,000 | +34.4% | $65.87/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in DC | $132,620 | +30.1% | $63.76/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DC | $120,090 | +17.8% | $57.74/hr |
| Psychologist in DC | $107,000 | +5.0% | $51.44/hr |
| Physical Therapist in DC | $101,640 | -0.3% | $48.87/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DC | $101,450 | -0.5% | $48.77/hr |
| Registered Nurse in DC | $102,540 | +0.6% | $49.30/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in DC | $102,740 | +0.8% | $49.39/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in DC | $102,770 | +0.8% | $49.41/hr |
| Plumber in DC | $101,020 | -0.9% | $48.57/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in Washington DC?
- Medical scientists in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $101,940 per year, or $49 per hour. This is 10.5% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in DC?
- The salary range for medical scientists in the District of Columbia spans from $66,100 at the lower end to $195,190 at the upper end, reflecting variations based on experience and specialization.
How many medical scientists work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 670 medical scientists currently employed in the District of Columbia, representing the job market size for this profession in the region.
Is the medical scientist salary in DC higher than the national average?
- Yes, medical scientists in Washington DC earn 10.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $101,940 compared to the national median, making it a competitive market for this profession.