Economists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Economists out-earn Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists by $21K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Economists land at $124,720 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: economist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Economists is District of Columbia ($167,590); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Economists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Economists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Economists earn more nationally. The median is $124,720 for Economists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $21K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Economists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 1.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Economists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Economists 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 Economists get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Economists at $167,590/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Economists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Economists earn $167,590 vs. $101,940 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.