Sociologists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Sociologists out-earn Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Sociologists land at $106,030 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: sociologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Sociologists is Illinois ($140,770); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Sociologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Sociologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Sociologists earn more nationally. The median is $106,030 for Sociologists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Sociologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 3.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Sociologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Sociologists 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 Sociologists get paid the most?
Illinois is the top-paying state for Sociologists at $140,770/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Sociologists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Illinois, Sociologists earn $140,770 vs. $82,330 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.