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
$85,000
$7,083/mo
Entry Level
$56,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$108,000
experienced
Job Growth
+26%
10-yr outlook
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)
10K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$40.87/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,083
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
$90,000
$7,500/month · $3,462/biweekly · $43.27/hr
Epidemiologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Epidemiologist field.
Entry-level Epidemiologists earn around $56,000, while the top 10% earn $127,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Epidemiologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $98,000 | +$13,000 |
| Massachusetts | $95,000 | +$10,000 |
| Maryland | $92,000 | +$7,000 |
| Georgia | $82,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Epidemiologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $106,000 | +$21,000 |
| Bethesda | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $100,000 | +$15,000 |
| Boston | $95,000 | +$10,000 |
| Atlanta | $83,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Epidemiologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Epidemiologist from entry level to expert.
$56,000
0-2 years
$82,000
3-7 years
$108,000
8-14 years
$146,000
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 $85,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $56,000, while senior professionals earn up to $108,000. Top earners in the field can make $146,000 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 10K 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 $92,000. 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 $56,000 to $108,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Epidemiologist Salary
How we calculate Epidemiologist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $85,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Epidemiologist in the Science sector.
- Entry-level ($56,000) and senior-level ($108,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +26% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 10K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 16% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Science sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree (MPH), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $85,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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