Computer and Information Research Scientists vs Medical Assistants: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn $96,710 more per year than Medical Assistants professionals — that's 218.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer and Information Research Scientists earns $232,120 compared to $57,830 for Medical Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer and Information Research Scientists$80,670 – $232,120
Medical Assistants$35,020 – $57,830
$35,020$232,120
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer and Information Research Scientists | Medical Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,670 | $35,020 | +$45,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,710 | $37,610 | +$65,100 |
| Median (50th) | $140,910 | $44,200 | +$96,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,210 | $48,160 | +$133,050 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,120 | $57,830 | +$174,290 |
| Mean (Average) | $152,310 | $44,720 | +$107,590 |
Employment Numbers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
38,480
employed nationwide
Medical Assistants
793,460
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $232,120 |
| Richmond, VA | $231,930 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $191,880 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $169,510 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $168,820 |
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: Computer and Information Research Scientists or Medical Assistants?
Computer and Information Research Scientists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $96,710 (218.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Computer and Information Research Scientists salaries range from $80,670 (10th percentile) to $232,120 (90th percentile), with a median of $140,910.
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 Computer and Information Research Scientists and Medical Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 38,480 Computer and Information Research Scientists positions and 793,460 Medical Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Medical Assistants to Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer and Information Research Scientists has a median salary of $140,910 while Medical Assistants earns $44,200. 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