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Science

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$103,410

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$65k – $178k

Job outlook

+9% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

Plan my path to this →

How to qualify

Estimate

Cost to qualify

$64,000–$230,000

Time to qualify

6 yr

Renewal

—

  1. 1

    Bachelor's degree

    Degree

    Four years at public in-state rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $11,610/yr, plus books. Private and out-of-state run higher; grant aid lowers most students' actual net price.

    $40,000–$150,000 · 4 years source

  2. 2

    Master's degree

    Degree

    Typically two years; average graduate tuition ≈ $20,000/yr at public universities (NCES).

    $24,000–$80,000 · 2 years source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

    Entry / Junior

    $64,800

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

    Established

    $103,410

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

    Senior

    $140,595

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
  • •Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
  • •Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
  • •Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
  • •Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Science

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.