Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists out-earn Atmospheric and Space Scientists by $4K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Atmospheric and Space Scientists land at $99,070 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: atmospheric and space scientist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Atmospheric and Space Scientists is Maryland ($128,800); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Atmospheric and Space Scientists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn more nationally. The median is $99,070 for Atmospheric and Space Scientists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $4K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 0.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Atmospheric and Space Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Atmospheric and Space Scientists typically requires bachelor's degree. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists requires doctoral or professional degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Atmospheric and Space Scientists get paid the most?
Maryland is the top-paying state for Atmospheric and Space Scientists at $128,800/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Atmospheric and Space Scientists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Maryland, Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn $128,800 vs. $106,000 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.