The median annual wage for Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $78,560 (May 2024 BLS OES). The mean (average) is $98,790.
Pay spans roughly $59,960 at the 10th percentile to $162,720 at the 90th, so experience and specialisation move this figure a lot. At the median that is about $37.77 per hour. An estimated 3,760 people work as medical scientists, except epidemiologists in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN.
| Median (annual) | $78,560 |
| Mean (annual) | $98,790 |
| Median (hourly) | $37.77 |
| 10th percentile | $59,960 |
| 90th percentile | $162,720 |
| Employment | 3,760 |
Updated 2026-07-23.
Source: BLS OES May 2024 — bls.gov/oes. Checked 2026-07-23.