Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists vs Pharmacy Technicians: 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 $57,130 more per year than Pharmacy Technicians professionals — that's 131.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $168,210 compared to $59,450 for Pharmacy Technicians.
Salary Range Comparison
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
Pharmacy Technicians$35,100 – $59,450
$35,100$168,210
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Pharmacy Technicians | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,860 | $35,100 | +$26,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,260 | $36,920 | +$40,340 |
| Median (50th) | $100,590 | $43,460 | +$57,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,870 | $48,580 | +$85,290 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,210 | $59,450 | +$108,760 |
| Mean (Average) | $112,690 | $44,800 | +$67,890 |
Employment Numbers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
employed nationwide
Pharmacy Technicians
487,920
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Pharmacy Technicians
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $70,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $61,990 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $59,960 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $55,810 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $54,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists or Pharmacy Technicians?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $57,130 (131.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Pharmacy Technicians?
Pharmacy Technicians salaries range from $35,100 (10th percentile) to $59,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $43,460.
How many Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Pharmacy Technicians jobs are there?
There are approximately 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions and 487,920 Pharmacy Technicians positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Pharmacy Technicians to Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists has a median salary of $100,590 while Pharmacy Technicians earns $43,460. 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