Epidemiologist Salary in 2026
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases in populations, designing studies and analyzing health data. They develop strategies for disease prevention and public health interventions.
Median Salary
$87,220
$7,268/mo
Entry Level
$57,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$110,800
experienced
Job Growth
+26%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Epidemiologists (SOC 19-1041) at a national median of $87,220 per year (mean $97,890), or $41.93 per hour, with 12,090 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Epidemiologist Overview
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases in populations, designing studies and analyzing health data. They develop strategies for disease prevention and public health interventions.
Education
Master's Degree (MPH)
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
12K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$41.93/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,268
Epidemiologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Epidemiologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Epidemiologist Salary
$93,000
$7,750/month · $3,577/biweekly · $44.71/hr
Epidemiologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Epidemiologist field.
Entry-level Epidemiologists earn around $57,500, while the top 10% earn $130,300 or more.
Top Paying States for Epidemiologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $103,000 | +$15,780 |
| New York | $100,000 | +$12,780 |
| Massachusetts | $98,000 | +$10,780 |
| Maryland | $94,000 | +$6,780 |
| Georgia | $85,000 | $-2,220 |
Top Paying Cities for Epidemiologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $109,000 | +$21,780 |
| Bethesda | $103,000 | +$15,780 |
| New York | $103,000 | +$15,780 |
| Boston | $98,000 | +$10,780 |
| AtlantaBLS metro | $70,880 | $-16,340 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Epidemiologists in that city's metropolitan statistical area (1 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Epidemiologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Epidemiologist from entry level to expert.
$57,500
0-2 years
$84,000
3-7 years
$110,800
8-14 years
$149,800
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Epidemiologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Epidemiologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Epidemiologist in the United States is $87,220 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Epidemiologists (SOC 19-1041); the mean is $97,890. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $57,500, senior professionals around $110,800, and top earners at $149,800 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Epidemiologist?
A Epidemiologist typically requires a Master's Degree (MPH) with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include SAS, R, Disease Surveillance. Relevant certifications such as Certified in Public Health or EIS Graduate can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Epidemiologists?
The job market for Epidemiologists is projected to grow by 26% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 12K Epidemiologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 16%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Epidemiologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Epidemiologists include Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts. In Maryland, the median salary is approximately $94,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Epidemiologist salary?
To increase your Epidemiologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like SAS and R. Pursue certifications such as Certified in Public Health. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Bethesda. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $57,500 to $110,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Epidemiologist Salary
How we calculate Epidemiologist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Epidemiologists (SOC 19-1041), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $87,220, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Epidemiologists; BLS mean $97,890; BLS hourly median $41.93.
- Entry-level ($57,500) and senior-level ($110,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +26% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 12,090 Epidemiologists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 16% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree (MPH), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $87,220; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Epidemiologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Epidemiologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Epidemiologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (SAS, R, Disease Surveillance), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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