Food Scientists and Technologists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists out-earn Food Scientists and Technologists by $15K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Food Scientists and Technologists land at $88,720 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: food scientists and technologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Food Scientists and Technologists is South Carolina ($108,660); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Food Scientists and Technologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Food Scientists and Technologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn more nationally. The median is $88,720 for Food Scientists and Technologists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $15K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Food Scientists and Technologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 6.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Food Scientists and Technologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Food Scientists and Technologists 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 Scientists and Technologists get paid the most?
South Carolina is the top-paying state for Food Scientists and Technologists at $108,660/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Food Scientists and Technologists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Missouri, Food Scientists and Technologists earn $105,930 vs. $102,540 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.