Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
SOC Code: 19-1042
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $100,590 and +8.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 165,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists (SOC 19-1042) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 165,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +8.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $100,590, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Medical scientists, except epidemiologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- 2. Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- 3. Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- 4. Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- 5. Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- 6. Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- 7. Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- 8. Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
- 9. Write and publish articles in scientific journals.
- 10. Write applications for research grants.
Key Skills Required
- Writing
- Speaking
- Science
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Biology
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Medical scientists, except epidemiologists?
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Medical scientists, except epidemiologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Medical scientists, except epidemiologists is projected to grow by 8.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 165,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Medical scientists, except epidemiologists?
Key skills for Medical scientists, except epidemiologists include Writing, Speaking, Science, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Medical scientists, except epidemiologists earn?
The median annual wage for Medical scientists, except epidemiologists is $100,590, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Medical scientists, except epidemiologists?
The typical entry-level education for Medical scientists, except epidemiologists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Medical scientists, except epidemiologists?
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).