Food Science Technicians vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists out-earn Food Science Technicians by $51K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Science Technicians land at $52,130 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: food science technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Food Science Technicians is Virginia ($65,360); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Food Science Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Food Science Technicians or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn more nationally. The median is $52,130 for Food Science Technicians versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $51K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Science Technicians or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 4.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Food Science Technicians or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Food Science Technicians 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 Food Science Technicians get paid the most?
Virginia is the top-paying state for Food Science Technicians at $65,360/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Food Science Technicians vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Virginia, Food Science Technicians earn $65,360 vs. $93,620 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.