Medical Scientists
O*NET title: 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.
Also called: Anatomist, Cancer Researcher, Chemotherapist, Clinical Analyst, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Clinical Pharmacologist
Median pay
$103,410
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$64,800 – $177,780
People employed
172,340
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Medical Scientists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What medical scientists do
- 01Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- 02Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- 03Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- 04Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- 05Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- 06Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
Skills that matter most
- Writing
- Science
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Biology
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from medical scientists
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary76% · −10%
- Biostatisticians75% · group pay
- Medical Dosimetrists74% · +43%
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary74% · −8%
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers72% · +6%
Change into medical scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Biostatisticians79% · $105,650
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary76% · $84,620
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary76% · $93,250
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary74% · $94,980
- Preventive Medicine Physicians74% · $265,930
Majors that lead here
- Biomedical Sciences, General
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Biochemistry
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology
- Anatomy
- Developmental Biology and Embryology
- Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology and Anatomy
- Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology
- Virology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.