Data Scientists vs Medical Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Data Scientists professionals earn $68,390 more per year than Medical Assistants professionals — that's 154.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Data Scientists earns $194,410 compared to $57,830 for Medical Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Data Scientists$63,650 – $194,410
Medical Assistants$35,020 – $57,830
$35,020$194,410
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Data Scientists | Medical Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,650 | $35,020 | +$28,630 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,630 | $37,610 | +$45,020 |
| Median (50th) | $112,590 | $44,200 | +$68,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,810 | $48,160 | +$107,650 |
| 90th Percentile | $194,410 | $57,830 | +$136,580 |
| Mean (Average) | $124,590 | $44,720 | +$79,870 |
Employment Numbers
Data Scientists
233,440
employed nationwide
Medical Assistants
793,460
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $173,160 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $166,300 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $157,290 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $135,190 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $131,830 |
Best Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $62,570 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $62,290 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $59,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $58,850 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $52,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Data Scientists or Medical Assistants?
Data Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $68,390 (154.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Data Scientists?
Data Scientists salaries range from $63,650 (10th percentile) to $194,410 (90th percentile), with a median of $112,590.
What is the salary range for Medical Assistants?
Medical Assistants salaries range from $35,020 (10th percentile) to $57,830 (90th percentile), with a median of $44,200.
How many Data Scientists and Medical Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 233,440 Data Scientists positions and 793,460 Medical Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Medical Assistants to Data Scientists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Data Scientists has a median salary of $112,590 while Medical Assistants earns $44,200. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS