SalaryByCity

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

$100,590

Median annual salary

156,300 employed nationally

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

$62,970

Median annual salary

455,940 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn $37,620 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 59.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $168,210 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.

Salary Range Comparison

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$168,210

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileMedical Scientists, Except EpidemiologistsPlumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersDifference
10th Percentile$61,860$40,670+$21,190
25th Percentile$77,260$48,860+$28,400
Median (50th)$100,590$62,970+$37,620
75th Percentile$133,870$81,900+$51,970
90th Percentile$168,210$105,150+$63,060
Mean (Average)$112,690$69,940+$42,750

Employment Numbers

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

156,300

employed nationwide

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

455,940

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

CityMedian
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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

CityMedian
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA$100,110
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI$98,890
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI$97,020
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$90,220
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$87,160

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $37,620 (59.7% 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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries range from $40,670 (10th percentile) to $105,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,970.
How many Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions and 455,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 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 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. 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

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS