Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Who Earns More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists out-earn Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists by $27K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists land at $76,780 and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists at $103,410. The education gap is real: zoologists and wildlife biologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while medical scientists, except epidemiologist programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists is Maryland ($107,500); for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists it's California ($136,990).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn more nationally. The median is $76,780 for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists versus $103,410 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, a difference of $27K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has the better 10-year outlook at 8.7% projected growth, compared to 1.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 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 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists get paid the most?
Maryland is the top-paying state for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists at $107,500/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists vs. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Maryland, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists earn $107,500 vs. $106,000 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.