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Forensic Science Technicians vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss out-earn Forensic Science Technicianss by $31K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Forensic Science Technicianss land at $72,060 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss at $103,410. The education gap is real: forensic science technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Forensic Science Technicianss is Illinois ($124,790); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss it's California ($136,990).

Forensic Science Technicians
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Median salary
$72,060
$103,410
Hourly rate
$34.65/hr
$49.72/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$48,250
$64,800
Senior level (90th %)
$117,250
$177,780
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Doctoral or professional degree
U.S. employment
19,120
172,340
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Science
Science
Top-paying state
Illinois
California

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Forensic Science Technicians median pay.

State
Forensic Science Technicians
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
California
$102,100
$136,990
Connecticut
$85,910
$116,990
Montana
$82,200
$101,950
Maryland
$82,140
$106,000
Washington
$81,310
$105,680
Nevada
$81,090
$98,560
Oregon
$80,950
$111,030
Massachusetts
$79,320
$128,210
Tennessee
$70,500
$102,720
Florida
$64,140
$94,940
Arizona
$63,250
$116,820
New Jersey
$63,220
$129,280
Missouri
$62,750
$102,540
Pennsylvania
$61,580
$99,190
North Carolina
$59,240
$102,980

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Forensic Science Technicianss or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss?

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss earn more nationally. The median is $72,060 for Forensic Science Technicianss versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss, a difference of $31K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Forensic Science Technicians or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Forensic Science Technicians or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?

Forensic 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 Forensic Science Technicianss get paid the most?

Illinois is the top-paying state for Forensic Science Technicianss at $124,790/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Forensic Science Technicians vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Forensic Science Technicianss earn $102,100 vs. $136,990 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Forensic Science Technicians salary breakdownView →Full Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salary breakdownView →Best cities for Forensic Science Technicianss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss by take-home payExplore →How to become a forensic science techniciansGuide →How to become a medical scientists, except epidemiologistsGuide →