Explore More Salaries
Browse our database for salaries in other careers or locations.
Medical Scientist Salary in the United States
How much does a Medical Scientist make in the United States?
$160,463 (USD)/year
Average Bonus
$5,552 (USD)
per Year
Total Compensation
$163,826.02
Entry Level
$111,005
Median
$158,274
Senior Level
$184,433
As of July, 23, 2026, the average medical scientist gross salary in United States is $160,463 or an equivalent hourly rate of $77. In addition, medical scientists earn an average bonus of $5,552. An entry level medical scientist with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $111,005. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level medical scientist with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $184,433. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in United States.
Data powered by ERI
Salary Potential for a Medical Scientist
Explore the estimated salary growth for a Medical Scientist in the United States for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a Medical Scientist will be $164,748 in 1 year and $183,063 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$169,147
Average Growth
5.4 %
The estimated salary for a Medical Scientist in 2 years is $169,147, which is 5.4 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.
Typical Medical Scientist Education
This chart displays the highest level of education for Medical Scientists.
- 1% of Medical Scientists have less than a High School Diploma
- 4% of Medical Scientists have a High School Diploma
- 0% of Medical Scientists have an Associate's Degree
- 46% of Medical Scientists have a Bachelor's Degree
- 39% of Medical Scientists have a Master's Degree
- 9% of Medical Scientists have a Doctorate Degree
Popular Skills for a Medical Scientist
Tissue Analysis
83%
Studies effects
67%
Oversees laboratory
50%
Develops methods
17%
These are the most popular skills for Medical Scientists. About 83% of Medical Scientists have a skill in Tissue Analysis. The top 3 most popular skills for Medical Scientists are tissue analysis, studies effects, and oversees laboratory.
See how skills can impact your salaryAre you getting paid what you're worth?
Discover your true earning potential. Get a personalized salary report and negotiate pay with confidence.
Where can a Medical Scientist earn more?
Discover where a Medical Scientist earns the most and choose a location that maximizes your career potential.
Medical Scientist Salaries in Other Locations
Salaries for Similar Job Titles in the United States
Data not available.
Medical Scientist Jobs
View moreCost of Living in the United States
The cost of living in the United States is equal to the national average.
0% equal to
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
Explore Cost-of-Living Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Medical Scientist do?
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research. Practitioners who primarily provide medical or dental care or dispense drugs are included in “Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners” (29-1000).
How much does a Medical Scientist make in the United States?
The average salary for a Medical Scientist is $160,463 per year or $77.15 per hour in the United States. Top earners have reported making up to $184,433. However, the typical pay range in the United States is between $111,005 and $184,433 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a Medical Scientist?
Medical Scientist is projected to see a 14.1 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer?
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career.
What are some factors that impact Medical Scientist salaries?
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.
About Our Data
This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.
ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.
Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.
For Employers
See How Employers Price Medical Scientist
Explore how ERI's compensation data and analytics can help you benchmark salaries with ease and build competitive offers to maximize every pay decision.
Get Started