Medical Scientist Salary in Washington
Based on 6K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$105,680
$50.81/hr
vs National Average
$92,243
+14.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $173K
6K employed in Washington
The Medical Scientist salary in Washington offers a median annual income of $105,680, placing it a notable 15% above the national average. This figure reflects the earning potential for approximately 6,150 medical scientists working within the state, with a salary range spanning from $69,500 to $173,140.
Several factors can influence a Medical Scientist salary in Washington. These include years of experience, the specific industry sector (e.g., biotech, pharmaceutical, academia), the employer's size and funding, and the individual's advanced degrees and specialized research skills. Location within Washington can also play a role, with higher costs of living in certain metropolitan areas potentially correlating with higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Medical Scientist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,500 |
| 25th percentile | $80,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $105,680 |
| 75th percentile | $135,900 |
| 90th percentile | $173,140 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,450 |
| 2023 | $102,860 |
| 2024 | $101,140 |
| 2025 | $105,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,424 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,450 | $85,078 |
| 2023 | $102,860 | $90,161 |
| 2024 | $101,140 | $89,708 |
| 2025 | $105,680 | $92,243 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,424 | $96,384 |
Medical Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $105,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $135,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $173,140 |
Medical Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Medical Scientist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Medical Scientist ($105,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in WA | $134,790 | +27.5% | $64.80/hr |
| Psychologist in WA | $115,240 | +9.0% | $55.40/hr |
| Geoscientist in WA | $105,020 | -0.6% | $50.49/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in WA | $100,990 | -4.4% | $48.55/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in WA | $98,840 | -6.5% | $47.52/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in WA | $98,300 | -7.0% | $47.26/hr |
| Chemist in WA | $97,420 | -7.8% | $46.84/hr |
| Statistician in WA | $105,650 | -0.0% | $50.79/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in WA | $105,550 | -0.1% | $50.75/hr |
| Physical Therapist in WA | $105,950 | +0.3% | $50.94/hr |
| Financial Analyst in WA | $107,210 | +1.4% | $51.54/hr |
| Logistician in WA | $107,250 | +1.5% | $51.56/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Scientist make in Washington state?
- The median salary for a Medical Scientist in Washington is $105,680 per year, which is equivalent to $51 per hour. This figure is 14.6% higher than the national average salary for this profession.
What is the typical salary range for a Medical Scientist in Washington?
- In Washington, the salary for a Medical Scientist typically falls between $69,500 and $173,140 annually. The median salary is $105,680, providing a good benchmark within this range.
Is the salary for a Medical Scientist in Washington higher than the national average?
- Yes, Medical Scientists in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 14.6% higher. The median annual salary in Washington is $105,680, compared to the national median.
How many Medical Scientists are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 6,150 Medical Scientists employed in Washington state. This indicates a substantial job market for professionals in this field within the state.