Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science. Some get a medical degree instead of, or in addition to, a Ph.D. PayThe median annual wage for medical scientists was $103,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,500 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for medical scientists was $103,410 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,500 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,500 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
Work Environment
Medical scientists typically work in offices and laboratories. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Medical Scientist
Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science. Some get a medical degree instead of, or in addition to, a Ph.D.
Pay
The median annual wage for medical scientists was $103,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 10,500 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Medical scientists typically work in offices and laboratories. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Medical Scientist
Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science. Some get a medical degree instead of, or in addition to, a Ph.D.
Pay
The median annual wage for medical scientists was $103,410 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 10,500 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.