📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Medical Scientists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$150,421
per year
Median
$143,860
per year
Hourly
$72.32
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$88,987
25th Percentile — Junior$122,081
50th Percentile — Median$143,860
75th Percentile — Senior$196,543
90th Percentile — Top Earners$226,490
💡 Top-earning Medical Scientistss in California make up to $226,490 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$124.8k
2021
$129.6k
2022
$134.5k
2023
$139.6k
2024
$144.9k
2025
$150.4k
2026
📈 Medical Scientists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Medical Scientists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $233,153 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $222,623 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $258,724 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $278,279 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $162,455 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $183,514 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $218,110 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $162,455 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $213,598 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $210,589 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $192,539 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $177,497 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $233,153 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $177,497 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $168,472 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $183,514 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $172,984 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $222,623 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $240,674 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Medical Scientists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Medical Scientistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $150,421 per year, California's Medical Scientists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $88,987–$122,081, while experienced Medical Scientistss can command $196,543–$226,490.

Looking ahead, the Medical Scientists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Medical Scientists salary in California is $150,421 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $105,930.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Medical Scientistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Medical Scientists employment.
  • At $150,421/year, California Medical Scientists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $105,930/year.