Medical Scientist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 670+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$77,580
$37.30/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
-15.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$55K – $163K
670 employed in Kentucky
Medical Scientist salary in Kentucky averages $77,580 per year, according to current employment data. This represents a modest income for the field, though it falls approximately 16% below the national average. Currently, around 670 medical scientists work throughout Kentucky, contributing to research, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical development across the state's healthcare and academic institutions.
Several factors influence medical scientist compensation in Kentucky, including education level, years of experience, and employer type. Research-based positions at universities and government facilities may offer different pay scales than those in private pharmaceutical or diagnostic companies. Geographic location within the state, specialized certifications, and the specific scientific discipline also play significant roles in determining individual salaries within this professional range.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $55,320 |
| 25th percentile | $65,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,580 |
| 75th percentile | $95,240 |
| 90th percentile | $162,590 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,430 |
| 2023 | $65,620 |
| 2024 | $73,220 |
| 2025 | $77,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,200 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,430 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $65,620 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $73,220 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $77,580 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,200 | $97,736 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $95,240 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,590 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Medical Scientist ($77,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in KY | $180,910 | +133.2% | $86.98/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | +27.8% | $47.66/hr |
| Chemist in KY | $84,090 | +8.4% | $40.43/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | -0.1% | $37.26/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KY | $74,710 | -3.7% | $35.92/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in KY | $71,040 | -8.4% | $34.15/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | -16.2% | $31.25/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in KY | $77,000 | -0.7% | $37.02/hr |
| Budget Analyst in KY | $76,860 | -0.9% | $36.95/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in KY | $78,830 | +1.6% | $37.90/hr |
| Financial Examiner in KY | $76,260 | -1.7% | $36.66/hr |
| Art Director in KY | $76,160 | -1.8% | $36.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in Kentucky?
- Medical scientists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $77,580 per year, or approximately $37 per hour. This is about 15.9% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in Kentucky?
- Medical scientist salaries in Kentucky range from $55,320 at the lower end to $162,590 at the upper end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many medical scientists work in Kentucky?
- There are currently 670 medical scientists employed in Kentucky, making it a relatively small but established professional community in the state.
Is the Kentucky medical scientist salary lower than the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median medical scientist salary of $77,580 is 15.9% lower than the national average for this occupation.