Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists vs Retail Salespersons: 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 $66,010 more per year than Retail Salespersons professionals — that's 190.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $168,210 compared to $47,930 for Retail Salespersons.
Salary Range Comparison
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
Retail Salespersons$25,600 – $47,930
$25,600$168,210
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Retail Salespersons | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,860 | $25,600 | +$36,260 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,260 | $29,140 | +$48,120 |
| Median (50th) | $100,590 | $34,580 | +$66,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,870 | $37,850 | +$96,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,210 | $47,930 | +$120,280 |
| Mean (Average) | $112,690 | $37,150 | +$75,540 |
Employment Numbers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
employed nationwide
Retail Salespersons
3,800,250
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 Retail Salespersons
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $43,040 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $42,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $39,180 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $37,500 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $37,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists or Retail Salespersons?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $66,010 (190.9% 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 Retail Salespersons?
Retail Salespersons salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $47,930 (90th percentile), with a median of $34,580.
How many Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Retail Salespersons jobs are there?
There are approximately 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions and 3,800,250 Retail Salespersons positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Retail Salespersons 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 Retail Salespersons earns $34,580. 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