Medical scientists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$100,590
~$48/hr · ~$8,383/mo
US Jobs
165K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
Medical scientists perform high-level knowledge work including data analysis, grant writing, and literature reviews, all of which are highly susceptible to AI augmentation and automation. While physical laboratory work and clinical trials provide a buffer, the core of the profession is shifting toward computational biology and AI-driven drug discovery, significantly increasing productivity and reshaping research methodologies.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse, NYBEST VALUE | $153,890 | Below avg (95.7) | $160,776 |
| Ames, IA | $134,160 | Below avg (91.5) | $146,679 |
| Vallejo, CA | $158,810 | Above avg (109.4) | $145,219 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $155,990 | Above avg (113.1) | $137,972 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $137,200 | Above avg (103.5) | $132,504 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $122,650 | Below avg (92.9) | $132,039 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $132,830 | Average (100.7) | $131,913 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $124,520 | Below avg (95.6) | $130,296 |
| Modesto, CA | $136,180 | Above avg (105.1) | $129,539 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $125,420 | Average (97.3) | $128,870 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $130,010 | Average (101.3) | $128,314 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $144,660 | Above avg (112.8) | $128,274 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $139,110 | Above avg (110.3) | $126,173 |
| Fresno, CA | $129,670 | Above avg (104.0) | $124,678 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $132,900 | Above avg (107.0) | $124,193 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
10-Year Growth
+9% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$48/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,383/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)