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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Median Salary
100,890
Job Outlook
+11%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 8,900 openings for medical scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$58,410

10%

$100,890

Median

$128,320

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    35%

  • Master's degree

    24%

  • Post-doctoral training

    24%

  • Bachelor's degree

    7%

  • Post-master's certificate

    6%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Biomedical Sciences, General
  • Anatomy
  • Immunology
  • Vision Science/Physiological Optics
  • Oncology and Cancer Biology
  • Biostatistics
  • Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology
  • Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology
  • Pharmaceutics and Drug Design
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology and Anatomy
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Environmental Health
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology
  • Physiology, General
  • Pharmacology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Medical Science/Scientist
  • Human/Medical Genetics
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Other
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Gerontology
  • Endocrinology
  • Toxicology
  • Molecular Biochemistry
  • Cell Physiology
  • Pathology/Experimental Pathology
  • Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other
  • Neurobiology and Anatomy
  • Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Neurobiology and Behavior
  • Molecular Pharmacology
  • Biopsychology
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology, Other
  • Biomechanics
  • Infectious Disease and Global Health
  • Aerospace Physiology and Medicine
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Developmental Biology and Embryology
  • Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy
  • Molecular Physiology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Parasitology
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Virology
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies, Other
  • Clinical and Translational Science

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Biology
  • English Language
  • Chemistry
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.