Life Scientists, All Other vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists out-earn Life Scientists, All Other by $10K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Life Scientists, All Other land at $93,750 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: life scientists, all other programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Life Scientists, All Other is South Carolina ($169,440); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Life Scientists, All Other median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Life Scientists, All Other or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn more nationally. The median is $93,750 for Life Scientists, All Other versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $10K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Life Scientists, All Other or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 3.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Life Scientists, All Other or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Life Scientists, All Other 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 Life Scientists, All Other get paid the most?
South Carolina is the top-paying state for Life Scientists, All Other at $169,440/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Life Scientists, All Other vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Life Scientists, All Other earn $167,640 vs. $101,940 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.