State comparison · 2025
Medical Scientists salary: California vs Montana
Medical Scientists in California earn a median of $136,990. In Montana, $101,950. After cost-of-living, the gap is 14.8% — not 34.4%.
Nominal pay gap
+34.4%
California vs Montana
COL-adjusted gap
+14.8%
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%
Montana
Medical Scientists
- Median
- $101,950
- p25
- $78,820
- p75
- $104,660
- p10
- $63,820
- p90
- $139,770
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 94.6
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.