Medical Scientist Salary in Virginia
Based on 5K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$93,620
$45.01/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+1.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $187K
5K employed in Virginia
The average Medical Scientist salary in Virginia is $93,620 per year, placing it 1% above the national average. This median figure falls within a broad salary range of $65,540 to $186,810 annually. Currently, approximately 4,560 individuals are employed in this vital profession across the state, indicating a stable and significant presence.
Several factors can influence a Medical Scientist salary in Virginia, including years of experience, specific research specialization, and the type of institution employing them, such as universities, government agencies, or private companies. The demand for skilled professionals and the cost of living within particular regions of Virginia can also play a role in salary negotiations for these highly educated individuals.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,540 |
| 25th percentile | $77,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $93,620 |
| 75th percentile | $134,940 |
| 90th percentile | $186,810 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,350 |
| 2023 | $86,470 |
| 2024 | $95,080 |
| 2025 | $93,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $93,620 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,350 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $86,470 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $95,080 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $93,620 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $93,620 | $92,243 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $93,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $134,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $186,810 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Medical Scientist ($93,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in VA | $145,040 | +54.9% | $69.73/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in VA | $105,780 | +13.0% | $50.86/hr |
| Chemist in VA | $96,650 | +3.2% | $46.47/hr |
| Geoscientist in VA | $88,390 | -5.6% | $42.50/hr |
| Psychologist in VA | $86,520 | -7.6% | $41.60/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in VA | $86,030 | -8.1% | $41.36/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in VA | $82,230 | -12.2% | $39.53/hr |
| Registered Nurse in VA | $93,600 | -0.0% | $45.00/hr |
| Accountant in VA | $93,290 | -0.4% | $44.85/hr |
| Tax Examiner in VA | $92,930 | -0.7% | $44.68/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in VA | $96,250 | +2.8% | $46.27/hr |
| Civil Engineer in VA | $97,120 | +3.7% | $46.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Medical Scientist in Virginia?
- The median salary for a Medical Scientist in Virginia is $93,620 per year, which averages out to $45 per hour. This figure is 1.5% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for Medical Scientists in Virginia?
- In Virginia, Medical Scientists can expect to earn salaries ranging from $65,540 to $186,810 annually. The median salary falls within this range at $93,620 per year.
How many Medical Scientists are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 4,560 Medical Scientists employed in Virginia. This indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state.
Is the salary for Medical Scientists in Virginia higher than the national average?
- Yes, the salary for Medical Scientists in Virginia is slightly higher than the national average, by 1.5%. The median Virginia salary of $93,620 per year reflects this difference.