Physicists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Physicists out-earn Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists by $69K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physicists land at $172,250 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: physicist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Physicists is Florida ($225,390); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physicists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physicists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Physicists earn more nationally. The median is $172,250 for Physicists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $69K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physicists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Physicists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Physicists 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 Physicists get paid the most?
Florida is the top-paying state for Physicists at $225,390/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physicists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Hampshire, Physicists earn $214,030 vs. $100,650 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.