Materials Scientists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Materials Scientists out-earn Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists by $14K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Materials Scientists land at $117,790 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: materials scientist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Materials Scientists is California ($177,030); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Materials Scientists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Materials Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Materials Scientists earn more nationally. The median is $117,790 for Materials Scientists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $14K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Materials Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Materials Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Materials Scientists 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 Materials Scientists get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Materials Scientists at $177,030/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Materials Scientists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Materials Scientists earn $177,030 vs. $136,990 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.