Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The median pay for a medical scientists, except epidemiologists in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $144,660/year ($69.55/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $90K at the entry level to $189K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $131,629 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 49.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $145K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level medical scientists, except epidemiologists (10th percentile) start around $90K. Mid-career wages sit at $145K.Top earners bring in $189K or more - a $99K spread from bottom to top.
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $131K | +31% | 24,190 |
| Massachusetts | $129K | +28% | 16,170 |
| Connecticut | $128K | +27% | 2,220 |
| New Jersey | $127K | +26% | 6,510 |
| District of Columbia | $111K | +10% | 500 |
| Maine | $108K | +7% | 100 |
| Rhode Island | $104K | +4% | 550 |
| North Carolina | $104K | +4% | 3,680 |
| Maryland | $104K | +3% | 6,150 |
| Arizona | $102K | +2% | 1,220 |
| Washington | $101K | +1% | 6,920 |
| Alaska | $101K | +0% | 120 |
| Nevada | $101K | -0% | 340 |
| Oregon | $100K | -1% | 1,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $99K | -1% | 8,540 |
Track medical scientists, except epidemiologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Cruz-Watsonville numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do medical scientists, except epidemiologists make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $144,660 a year - that works out to about $69.55 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $89,820, and experienced medical scientists, except epidemiologists can clear $189,050. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $145K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,336/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 50.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a medical scientists, except epidemiologists salary go in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median medical scientists, except epidemiologists salary is worth about $131,629 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do medical scientists, except epidemiologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.