Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $144,660 +43.8% vs national
Median hourly $69.55
10th percentile $89,820
90th percentile $189,050
Employed locally 100
National median $100,590

Compare Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salary & buying power

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Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
in
Santa Cruz, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $89,820
    25th
    $111,060
    50th (median)
    $144,660
    75th
    $167,330
    90th
    $189,050

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salary vs area income 132% Median Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salary is 32% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Topeka, KS $162,810
    Vallejo, CA $158,810
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $155,990
    Syracuse, NY $153,890
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $142,540
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $139,110

    Nearby metros — Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Vallejo, CA $158,810
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $155,990
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $142,540
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $139,110
    Salinas, CA $138,590
    Modesto, CA $136,180

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $79,670
    Urban and Regional Planners $109,000
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $86,680
    Biological Technicians $59,200
    Biological Scientists, All Other $93,650
    Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $129,880

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in Santa Cruz, CA is $69.55, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $96.29 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salaries?

    The median Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 43.8% above the national median of $100,590. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (10th percentile) earn around $89,820 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $111,060.