Social Science Research Assistants vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists out-earn Social Science Research Assistants by $41K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Social Science Research Assistants land at $61,990 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: social science research assistant programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Social Science Research Assistants is Oklahoma ($69,090); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Social Science Research Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Social Science Research Assistants or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn more nationally. The median is $61,990 for Social Science Research Assistants versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $41K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Social Science Research Assistants or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 4.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Social Science Research Assistants or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Social Science Research Assistants 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 Social Science Research Assistants get paid the most?
Oklahoma is the top-paying state for Social Science Research Assistants at $69,090/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Social Science Research Assistants vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Missouri, Social Science Research Assistants earn $65,940 vs. $102,540 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.