Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists fall under the Life, Physical, and Social Science category in the U.S. occupational classification. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn a median salary of $103,410 per year, ranking in the top 14% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +12.6% job growth through 2035, projected to grow faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do medical scientists, except epidemiologists earn?

The median annual wage for medical scientists, except epidemiologists is $103,410. That puts medical scientists, except epidemiologists at #118 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is medical scientists, except epidemiologists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for medical scientists, except epidemiologists is +12.6%, projected to grow faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 181K positions in 2024 to 203K in 2034, a net change of 22K. Faster-than-average growth means hiring is consistently outpacing the labor market overall. New entrants generally find their first roles faster than peers in stable fields.

What education does my child need to become medical scientists, except epidemiologist?

The standard path into medical scientists, except epidemiologists begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Geographers
  $102,040 median
• Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
  $101,920 median
• Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
  $101,110 median
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
  $100,580 median
• Atmospheric and Space Scientists
  $99,070 median
• Biological Scientists, All Other
  $98,920 median

Common questions parents ask about medical scientists, except epidemiologists