Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.
Medical scientists work in offices and laboratories. Most work full time.
Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science. Some medical scientists get a medical degree instead of a Ph.D., but prefer doing research to practicing as a physician.
The median annual wage for medical scientists was $82,240 in May 2015.
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Medical scientists will continue to be needed because they contribute to the development of treatments and medicines that improve human health.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical scientists.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical scientists with similar occupations.
Learn more about medical scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition
Interesting Fact
Before becoming an actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg worked as a bricklayer, a bank teller, and even as a makeup artist at a funeral parlor.
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