Medical Scientists
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health.
About the profession
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.
How to Get Started
Take a personality test to see if Medical Scientists fits your profile
Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
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Jump to Learning Path →Video
Occupation on screen: Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (O*NET 19-1042.00). Closed captions in English and Spanish. CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration)
Personality Fit
Based on the Medical Scientists role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
Not sure if these types match you? Take the full RIASEC assessment (4 min) to discover your personality profile and see how it aligns with hundreds of careers.
Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Resident/Fellow Medical Scientist → Practitioner Medical Scientist → Senior Medical Scientist → Department Lead Medical Scientist
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
$168K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $61,810 - $88,363/year With equity/bonuses: $67,991 - $106,036 Top markets (SF/NYC): $71,082 - $106,036 Execute core tasks using Writing under…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination. 10am, Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive…
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $43,267 - $79,527 Year 2-3: Junior level $88,363 - $109,169 Year 4-6: Mid level $109,169 - $118,362 Year 7-10: Senior level $118,362 - $148,541 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Medical Scientist genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Writing and Speaking You communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders…
💰 Salary Range
BLS OEWS, May 2023Half of U.S. workers in this occupation earn more than this, half earn less.
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types