Headline risk
2%
Very Low RiskMedical scientists, except epidemiologists
AI displacement pressure score for United States AI Work Index, combining global AI task overlap with local wages, employment trends, and demand signals.
Why This Score
Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities
Median annual wage
Projected employment change over 10 years
Typical preparation needed for this occupation
Occupation profile
Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
Task evidence
100% weighted task match · 3% effective coverage
Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works
United States Now
Median Wage
USD 100,590
Employment 2024
165.3K
Projected Change (2024–34)
8.7%
Openings (2024–34)
9.6K
Wage distribution
Demand outlook
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Role Profile
Tasks
- 1. Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination. AI use: 0%
- 2. Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels. AI use: 0%
- 3. Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease. AI use: 0%
- 4. Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public. AI use: 0%
- 5. Write and publish articles in scientific journals. AI use: 0%
- 6. Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure. AI use: 0%
Technologies
Requirements
Work context
Worker profile
Median age 41.2 · 102K employed
Under 25: 1% · 25–54: 77% · 55+: 23%
Related
No direct US role match is available yet for this occupation.
Source coverage
11/11 source families · O*NET 30.2 / OEWS 2024 / ORS 2025 / OOH 2025-08-28 / Projections 2024-34 / CPS 2025 / Anthropic task penetration
Data quality
Employment data available
Narrative & sources
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
Medical scientists typically work in offices and laboratories. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Medical scientists typically have a Ph.D., usually in biology or a related life science. Some get a medical degree instead of, or in addition to, a Ph.D.
The median annual wage for medical scientists was $100,590 in May 2024.
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Important context
This score measures structural AI displacement pressure, not actual job losses. Local wages and demand data are specific to United States AI Work Index; the underlying AI task overlap analysis is consistent across all countries.