State comparison · 2025
Medical Scientists salary: California vs Idaho
Medical Scientists in California earn a median of $136,990. In Idaho, $83,010. After cost-of-living, the gap is 42.4% — not 65%.
Nominal pay gap
+65%
California vs Idaho
COL-adjusted gap
+42.4%
After BEA Regional Price Parities
California
Medical Scientists
- Median
- $136,990
- p25
- $109,570
- p75
- $162,020
- p10
- $81,320
- p90
- $180,060
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 110.7
- Hiring velocity (180d)
- -44%
Idaho
Medical Scientists
- Median
- $83,010
- p25
- $76,270
- p75
- $102,740
- p10
- $59,680
- p90
- $288,280
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 95.5
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.