Fast Food and Counter Workers 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 $70,110 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 230.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $168,210 for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
$22,620$168,210
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $61,860 | $-39,240 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $77,260 | $-50,110 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $100,590 | $-70,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $133,870 | $-98,430 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $168,210 | $-129,410 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $112,690 | $-81,340 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $42,660 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $40,470 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $38,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $37,650 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $36,480 |
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: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $70,110 (230.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries range from $22,620 (10th percentile) to $38,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $30,480.
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 Fast Food and Counter Workers and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers 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 Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Fast Food and Counter Workers has a median salary of $30,480 while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $100,590. 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