Salary distribution
Where San Jose medical scientists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $129,830 and $166,210, with a median of $155,990.
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 San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for medical scientists.
- San Francisco$142,540
- Sacramento$131,390
- Riverside$128,890
- Los Angeles$128,470
- San Diego$128,270
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Medical Scientists in San Jose, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Medical Scientists in the San Jose metropolitan area is $155,990.
- Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Medical Scientists?
- The San Jose metro median is +18.7% versus the California state median of $131,430.
- How does San Jose compare to the national median for Medical Scientists?
- The San Jose metro median is +53.8% versus the BLS national figure of $101,397.
- What is the salary range for Medical Scientists in San Jose?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $84,570 and the 90th-percentile at $192,720 for the San Jose 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 San Jose 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.