Medical Lab Scientist vs Physician (General Practice): Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $174,023/year (248%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Medical Lab Scientist vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Medical Lab Scientist | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $103,069 | $363,590 | Medical $260,521 |
| New York, NY | $87,047 | $294,372 | Medical $207,325 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,380 | $353,641 | Medical $251,261 |
| Austin, TX | $79,439 | $272,440 | Medical $193,001 |
| Chicago, IL | $75,418 | $255,595 | Medical $180,177 |
| Boston, MA | $90,176 | $311,219 | Medical $221,043 |
| London, UK | £55,328 | £101,944 | Medical $46,616 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$91,433 | CA$294,137 | Medical $202,704 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Lab Scientist or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Medical Lab Scientist is $70,157/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $174,023 (248%).
Which has better career growth — Medical Lab Scientist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Medical Lab Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Medical Lab Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Medical Lab Scientist to Physician (General Practice)?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Medical Lab Scientist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.