Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists vs Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 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 $39,580 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 64.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earns $168,210 compared to $98,990 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
Salary Range Comparison
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$61,860 – $168,210
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$39,710 – $98,990
$39,710$168,210
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,860 | $39,710 | +$22,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,260 | $48,190 | +$29,070 |
| Median (50th) | $100,590 | $61,010 | +$39,580 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,870 | $78,280 | +$55,590 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,210 | $98,990 | +$69,220 |
| Mean (Average) | $112,690 | $66,510 | +$46,180 |
Employment Numbers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
156,300
employed nationwide
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists or Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $39,580 (64.9% 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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $98,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,010.
How many Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs are there?
There are approximately 156,300 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists positions and 367,220 Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Paralegals and Legal Assistants 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 Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $61,010. 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