Chemists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists out-earn Chemists by $12K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Chemists land at $91,240 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: chemist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Chemists is District of Columbia ($149,860); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Chemists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Chemists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn more nationally. The median is $91,240 for Chemists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $12K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Chemists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Chemists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Chemists 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 Chemists get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Chemists at $149,860/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Chemists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Chemists earn $149,860 vs. $101,940 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.