Salary distribution
Where Los Angeles medical scientists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $104,660 and $134,990, with a median of $128,470.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Biology
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Writing
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Written Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Science
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Active Learning
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- 02
Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- 03
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- 04
Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- 05
Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- 06
Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- 07
Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- 08
Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for medical scientists.
- San Jose$155,990
- San Francisco$142,540
- Sacramento$131,390
- Riverside$128,890
- San Diego$128,270
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Medical Scientists in Los Angeles, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Medical Scientists in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $128,470.
- Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Medical Scientists?
- The Los Angeles metro median is -2.3% versus the California state median of $131,430.
- How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Medical Scientists?
- The Los Angeles metro median is +26.7% versus the BLS national figure of $101,397.
- What is the salary range for Medical Scientists in Los Angeles?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $74,780 and the 90th-percentile at $161,130 for the Los Angeles metro area.
- What education is required for Medical Scientists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.