Medical Scientist Salary?

Salary of a Medical Center Scientist

• Answer:

  A medical center scientist is a research science professional who conducts investigations at a medical facility into diseases that affect humans. The results will be used by physicians and other health care professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in patients, often in care facilities within the same organization as the medical scientist conducts her research. The salary of a medical center scientist reflects the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the role. Average Salary According to a survey of 101,760 medical scientists in United States by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean yearly wage level for the occupation was $84,760, as of May 2009, or an hourly pay rate of $40.75 and a monthly income totaling $7,063. A medical center scientist may receive other payments to augment his salary, such as pension provision, bonuses and health insurance, although the precise level of these will depend on the term of his contract. Salary by Employer Different areas of the health care industry may offer different levels of salary to medical scientists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that those who work in a consultative capacity are in line for some of the highest wages, $113,250---slightly more than those working in federal government positions, which is $111,810. Medical and diagnostic laboratories pay more than scientific research and development services ($107,490 compared with $92,130) even though the latter employs a much greater number of medical scientists. A career in education offers less attractive salary levels at $65,040, while positions in general medical and surgical hospitals are listed at an average of $76,520. Salary by Geography Where within the United States a medical scientist pursues his career can significantly impact upon the salary he achieves. The Bureau of Labor Statistics survey found that the best salaries were available to medical scientists in Vermont, averaging $120,850. The second- and third-place states had comparable levels of wages: New Jersey at $112,870 and Illinois at $111,870. Pennsylvania and Connecticut had similar levels of pay as each other, $96,420 and $94,430 respectively. Washington was some way behind, averaging $72,270 per year. Outlook Medical scientists should experience very good job opportunities in the immediate future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in the 10 years between 2008 and 2018, the job market for the profession will expand by approximately 40 percent. Considering that the national growth rate for all occupations in the United States is expected to be no higher than 13 percent, this represents an exceptional rise in demand for the services of medical scientists, fueled primarily by the continuing growth of the biotechnology industry. Practitioners should be able to secure excellent salaries.