Medical Scientist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 6K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$102,980
$49.51/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+11.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $171K
6K employed in North Carolina
The Medical Scientist salary in North Carolina presents a compelling landscape for professionals in this field. With a median annual income of $102,980, North Carolina offers a compensation package that is notably higher, standing 12% above the national average. This strong earning potential is supported by a significant employment base of 5,730 Medical Scientists across the state.
Several factors influence the Medical Scientist salary in North Carolina, contributing to its wide salary range of $63,800 to $171,170. Experience level, specific research focus, and the type of institution—whether academic, governmental, or private industry—all play crucial roles in determining an individual's earning potential within this dynamic and vital sector.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,800 |
| 25th percentile | $79,780 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,980 |
| 75th percentile | $134,560 |
| 90th percentile | $171,170 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,840 |
| 2023 | $100,610 |
| 2024 | $104,300 |
| 2025 | $102,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,980 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,840 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $100,610 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $104,300 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $102,980 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,980 | $92,243 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,780 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $134,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $171,170 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Medical Scientist ($102,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in NC | $174,180 | +69.1% | $83.74/hr |
| Geoscientist in NC | $95,260 | -7.5% | $45.80/hr |
| Psychologist in NC | $92,130 | -10.5% | $44.29/hr |
| Chemist in NC | $82,620 | -19.8% | $39.72/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NC | $82,220 | -20.2% | $39.53/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NC | $81,230 | -21.1% | $39.05/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NC | $74,130 | -28.0% | $35.64/hr |
| Financial Analyst in NC | $102,390 | -0.6% | $49.23/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in NC | $101,950 | -1.0% | $49.01/hr |
| Data Analyst in NC | $101,850 | -1.1% | $48.97/hr |
| Materials Engineer in NC | $104,240 | +1.2% | $50.12/hr |
| Software Engineer in NC | $104,850 | +1.8% | $50.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Medical Scientist in North Carolina?
- The median salary for Medical Scientists in North Carolina is $102,980 per year, which equates to approximately $50 per hour. This median figure is 11.6% higher than the national average for the same profession.
How much can a Medical Scientist earn in North Carolina?
- The salary range for Medical Scientists in North Carolina is quite broad, with most earning between $63,800 and $171,170 annually. The median income sits at $102,980 per year, indicating a healthy earning potential within the state.
What is the job outlook for Medical Scientists in North Carolina?
- There are currently 5,730 Medical Scientists employed in North Carolina, suggesting a stable job market. The median salary of $102,980 annually highlights the financial opportunities available for those in this field.
Is the salary for Medical Scientists in North Carolina higher than the national average?
- Yes, Medical Scientists in North Carolina earn 11.6% more than the national average. With a median salary of $102,980 per year, they are well-compensated compared to their counterparts across the country.