Medical Scientist Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 17K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$128,210
$61.64/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+39.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $208K
17K employed in Massachusetts
Medical scientist salary in Massachusetts averages $128,210 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 39%. With approximately 17,100 medical scientists employed across the state, Massachusetts remains a major hub for biomedical research and pharmaceutical development, offering competitive compensation that reflects the region's robust life sciences industry.
Several factors influence medical scientist salary in Massachusetts, including education level, research specialization, and employer type. Scientists working in pharmaceutical companies and academic medical centers often earn differently than those in government or nonprofit research institutions. Experience, specific credentials, and the complexity of research projects also play important roles in determining individual compensation within the state's competitive job market.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,790 |
| 25th percentile | $97,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $128,210 |
| 75th percentile | $167,940 |
| 90th percentile | $208,490 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,330 |
| 2023 | $127,310 |
| 2024 | $129,230 |
| 2025 | $128,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,210 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,330 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $127,310 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $129,230 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $128,210 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,210 | $92,243 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $128,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $167,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $208,490 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Medical Scientist ($128,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MA | $131,600 | +2.6% | $63.27/hr |
| Chemist in MA | $125,000 | -2.5% | $60.10/hr |
| Psychologist in MA | $115,180 | -10.2% | $55.38/hr |
| Geoscientist in MA | $108,210 | -15.6% | $52.02/hr |
| Physicist in MA | $106,410 | -17.0% | $51.16/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MA | $100,640 | -21.5% | $48.38/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MA | $99,780 | -22.2% | $47.97/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in MA | $128,240 | +0.0% | $61.65/hr |
| Computer Programmer in MA | $128,390 | +0.1% | $61.73/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in MA | $127,720 | -0.4% | $61.40/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in MA | $127,570 | -0.5% | $61.33/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in MA | $127,220 | -0.8% | $61.16/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical scientists make in Massachusetts?
- Medical scientists in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $128,210 per year, or $62 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 39.0% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for medical scientists in Massachusetts?
- Medical scientist salaries in Massachusetts range from $77,790 on the lower end to $208,490 for the highest earners. The median of $128,210 falls roughly in the middle of this $130,700 range.
How many medical scientists work in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 17,100 medical scientists employed in Massachusetts, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is Massachusetts a good state for medical scientist salaries?
- Yes, Massachusetts offers medical scientists a median salary of $128,210, which is 39.0% above the national average. This makes it one of the more lucrative states for medical science careers.