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Average Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Salary in California

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $134,880, significantly surpassing the national average of $116,160. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for specialized scientific talent, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $134,880 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,080.
  • Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 24,190 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, indicating a significant presence and ongoing demand for these roles. The location quotient of 1.32 further underscores this, suggesting a concentration of these professionals that is 32% higher than the national average, pointing towards a robust and active job market within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$134,880

The average Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in California earns+16.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$64.9

Weekly

$2,594

Monthly

$11,240

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior scientists and lead researchers, with extensive experience and specialized skills, command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise, leadership, and a proven track record in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$80,480$38.7
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$101,160$48.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$131,430$63.2
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$168,600$81.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$169,080$81.3

Detailed Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$134,880

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$97,386

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $134,880 in California is attractive, it must be considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is 38.5% higher than the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is substantial, the purchasing power of that salary is somewhat diminished by the higher expenses associated with living in California, particularly in major metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

24,190

Total Jobs

1.339

Per 1K Jobs

1.32

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.32, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.32 indicates that California has a notably higher concentration of Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where opportunities are plentiful, but professionals may face competition from a larger pool of similarly qualified individuals. This concentration is a positive sign for career mobility and access to specialized roles within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in California is $134,880. This typically ranges from $80,480 for entry-level positions to $169,080 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 16.1% higher than the national median of $116,160.

Is California a lucrative place for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?

Yes, California is a lucrative place for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.The state offers an average salary significantly above the national average, coupled with a high concentration of these roles, indicating strong demand and competitive compensation.

Is California a good place to live for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($123,690) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.

How does the California salary compare to the national average?

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in California earn an average of $134,880 annually, which is $18,720 more than the national average of $116,160.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.32 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.32 signifies that California has a higher concentration of Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists than the national average, suggesting a robust job market with potentially more opportunities but also increased competition.

How does the cost of living affect the perceived salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary is partially offset by increased living expenses.

What is the total number of Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in California?

California employs a substantial workforce of 24,190 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, reflecting the state's significant role in scientific research and development.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 24,190 employees in the California area with a job density of 1.339 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.