Cost Estimators vs Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn $23,520 more per year than Cost Estimators professionals — that's 30.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Cost Estimators earns $128,640 compared to $168,210 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
Salary Range Comparison
Cost Estimators$46,330 – $128,640
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
$46,330$168,210
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Cost Estimators | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,330 | $61,860 | $-15,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,830 | $77,260 | $-17,430 |
| Median (50th) | $77,070 | $100,590 | $-23,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,630 | $133,870 | $-34,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,640 | $168,210 | $-39,570 |
| Mean (Average) | $83,160 | $112,690 | $-29,530 |
Employment Numbers
Cost Estimators
219,530
employed nationwide
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Cost Estimators
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $104,190 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $103,030 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,990 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $86,540 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $86,300 |
Best Cities for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $155,990 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $142,540 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $131,390 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $129,230 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $128,890 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Cost Estimators or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $23,520 (30.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Cost Estimators?
Cost Estimators salaries range from $46,330 (10th percentile) to $128,640 (90th percentile), with a median of $77,070.
What is the salary range for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salaries range from $61,860 (10th percentile) to $168,210 (90th percentile), with a median of $100,590.
How many Cost Estimators and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,530 Cost Estimators positions and 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists to Cost Estimators?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Cost Estimators has a median salary of $77,070 while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $100,590. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS