ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 3, 2002---The median annual income for life scientists is $60,700, according to a new survey by Abbot, Langer & Associates.

The highest median incomes are in the metropolitan areas of West Jersey, Camden and Cherry Hill, N.J.; Johnson City and Kingsport, Tenn., and Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem, N.C., according to the survey. The range for these geographical areas was $84,640 to $94,200.

The lowest median incomes are in Montana, Wyoming, Kentucky and Rhode Island where the range was between $40,360 and $42,250.

Median incomes were reported to be the highest for life scientists working for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and beverage companies.

The highest median incomes were found among life scientists specializing in radiation, clinical research and pathology, topping out at $97,533.

Life scientists in supervisory positions reported a median income of $46,520. Those overseeing 10 or more employees reported a median income of $116,000.

The survey report was based on answers from 11,492 individuals and covers 19 jobs and factors affecting salary, such as metropolitan area, length of experience, and type of employer.