Medical Scientists Salary in California
Medical Scientists in California earn a median of $136,990 a year, +32% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $136,990
- vs. U.S. median
- +32% ($103,410)
- Rank among states
- 1 of 46
- Jobs in the state
- 29,830
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,320; the top 10% earn over $180,060. Nationally the range is $64,800 to $177,780.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Geneticists$113,530 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists$113,530 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Biochemists and Biophysicists$139,580 median in California
- Microbiologists$108,530 median in California
- Physicians, Pathologists$186,300 median in California
- Bioinformatics Scientists$113,530 median in California (broader BLS group)
Medical Scientists pay in California
How much do medical scientists make in California?
The median is $136,990 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,320 and the top 10% earn over $180,060. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for medical scientists?
On pay alone it ranks 1 of 46 (+32% vs. the national median of $103,410). Living costs are not included.