Computer Programmers vs Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists: 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 $1,920 more per year than Computer Programmers professionals — that's 1.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $168,210 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
$52,190$168,210
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $61,860 | $-9,670 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $77,260 | $-5,400 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $100,590 | $-1,920 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $133,870 | $-4,910 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $168,210 | $-6,120 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $112,690 | $-9,050 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $1,920 (1.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
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.
How many Computer Programmers and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $100,590. 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
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS