As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Scientist in the United States is $99,296 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Medical Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Medical Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Medical Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical ... Level Medical Scientist | $59,852 |
| Clinical ... Level Medical Scientist | $69,270 |
| Medical S... Level Medical Scientist | $98,344 |
| Clinical ... Level Medical Scientist | $106,270 |
| Clinical ... Level Medical Scientist | $158,231 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Medical Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 10.33% |
| SOP | 2.98% |
| Process Development | 1.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Drug Discovery
|
$115,183 |
16%
|
|
Cell Culture
|
$114,190 |
15%
|
|
Chromatography
|
$109,225 |
10%
|
|
Process Development
|
$108,232 |
9%
|
|
Biotechnology
|
$108,232 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$106,246 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Medical Scientists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Medical Scientist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $96,322 and $106,046).
Medical Scientist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 25.4% |
| Bachelors | 11.3% |
| Masters | 25.4% |
| Doctorate | 62.0% |
Understanding how a Medical Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Medical Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,939 in 2023 to around $82,710 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Medical Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $84,939 |
| 2024 | $83,512 |
| 2025 | $82,710 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Medical Scientist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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