Political Scientists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Political Scientists out-earn Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists by $39K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Political Scientists land at $142,080 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: political scientist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Political Scientists is Maryland ($153,380); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Political Scientists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Political Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Political Scientists earn more nationally. The median is $142,080 for Political Scientists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $39K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Political Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to -3.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Political Scientists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Political 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 Political Scientists get paid the most?
Maryland is the top-paying state for Political Scientists at $153,380/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Political Scientists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Maryland, Political Scientists earn $153,380 vs. $106,000 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.