Epidemiologist Salary Guide: What You Can Expect to Earn

Epidemiologists study the causes of disease and injury. Their research helps other health professionals understand risk factors for specific illnesses and evaluate prevention and treatment options. Epidemiologists are in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a 16% job growth rate in this country between 2024 and 2034.¹

Behind every prevention strategy, every treatment breakthrough and every life saved stands an epidemiologist's dedication to understanding patterns of disease. If you want a career in which your work can substantially improve public health and save lives, epidemiology may be for you. The average epidemiology salary can reach into the six digits, and epidemiologists can pursue long-term roles in research, government or private organizations.

This guide will explore how you can turn your graduate education into a fulfilling role as an epidemiologist—and how you can be fairly compensated for work that matters.

What is the Average Epidemiologist Salary?

How much do epidemiologists make? The current national average base salary for epidemiologists is $74,449. Salaries start around $53,000 for the bottom 10%, with top earners reaching $113,000 or more.²

Pay can vary substantially based on experience. Entry-level epidemiologists earn an average of $61,000, while those with one to four years of experience average $70,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with five to nine years of experience earn an average of $85,000. Senior-level epidemiologists with over 10 years of experience may command $100,000 or more.²

Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Salary

Infectious disease epidemiologists study emerging and established illnesses that spread rapidly through populations—think COVID-19, E. coli and MRSA, for example. Their work may involve using complex mathematical models and advanced technology to monitor disease transmission and identify outbreak hotspots.³

Epidemiologists specializing in infectious diseases can earn more than others in the field. The average salary of an infectious disease epidemiologist is $121,720, although earnings can vary by location.⁴ Organizations that hire infectious disease epidemiologists include research institutions and pharmaceutical companies, which often offer greater compensation—recognition of the critical expertise these specialists bring to protecting communities from devastating outbreaks.

What Factors Influence Epidemiologist Salaries?

An epidemiologist's salary is affected by several factors, including the practitioner's education and experience, geographic location and employer type.

Candidates with a master's degree or doctorate may qualify for higher pay than those with a bachelor's degree or epidemiology certification alone. Similarly, a professional with extensive prior experience can expect greater compensation than a new graduate.^5,6

Location can also significantly influence salary. Jobs in expensive areas typically pay more to offset living expenses.6 Several states, including Washington, New York and Massachusetts, are known for hiring epidemiologists at high salaries.⁷ These states are home to major research institutions and pharmaceutical companies, and they have a higher cost of living than many other locations do—both of which can affect salaries. Washington, D.C., is another high-paying market, as government agencies, universities and private employers there frequently seek epidemiologists.⁷

Consider annual salaries for epidemiologists in these areas:⁷

Washington State
$96,522

Washington, D.C.
$96,303

New York
$93,235

Massachusetts
$93,073

Employer type also matters. Epidemiology jobs in the private sector could offer more than government positions because the employers are less constrained by strict budgets. However, government jobs may help offset some of the pay gap through comprehensive benefits.⁸

Career Growth and Earning Potential in Epidemiology

The BLS expects the demand for epidemiologists to be much higher than average between 2024 and 2034. In that period, the agency anticipates at least 2,000 additional openings for individuals with epidemiology backgrounds. Job availability may arise from both the public and private sectors.¹

This is an ideal time for individuals interested in epidemiology to start their careers. Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) pose a new frontier for epidemiologists studying disease and illness. Their use may improve disease outbreak tracking and help scientists in the field identify new prevention and treatment strategies.⁹ These tools—and your research contributions—could enhance health outcomes and extend the human lifespan. Imagine being part of the generation of epidemiologists who harness these technologies to prevent the next pandemic or finally turn the tide against chronic diseases that have plagued humanity for generations.

Growth areas include chronic disease and global health. Certain illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, remain incurable. They also affect large swaths of the population. As an epidemiologist, your research could help identify ways to prevent these illnesses and save countless lives.¹⁰

Health resource disparities exist worldwide. They can affect a country's ability to detect or respond to disease outbreaks when they occur. As a research epidemiologist, you can support global health security by leading surveillance and outbreak investigations in real time. Government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seek professionals like you who are interested in supporting global health initiatives—professionals who understand that health equity isn't just a policy goal but a moral imperative.¹¹

Master the Research Methods That Save Lives

The field of epidemiology offers enriching careers that benefit public health. Salaries are competitive, and job growth is expected to be above average over the next several years. Furthermore, new technologies may allow epidemiologists to pave the way for improved disease tracking and prevention. This is an exciting time to become an epidemiologist, as your research could lead to breakthroughs in treatments and save lives.

If you're drawn to work that combines rigorous scientific inquiry with profound human impact, epidemiology offers both intellectual challenge and deep purpose. Epidemiologists with a master's degree benefit from higher salaries and transformative job prospects. At Kent State University, you can earn an online Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology that can further your long-term goals. You can complete this STEM-designated program in as few as 24 months, with no on-site courses required. We offer small class sizes and a close-knit learning environment that help you master essential analytical skills and gain practical experience aligned with your career objectives.

Kent State University is home to prominent faculty who publish cutting-edge research and advise government agencies on public health policy. They have received over $23 million in secured funding from distinguished institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and the CDC. Our faculty actively shapes public health policy, whether they're advising the U.S. Congress or the Environmental Protection Agency—and they're committed to mentoring the next generation of epidemiologists who will carry this vital work forward.

You'll build a nationwide network of public health professionals during your studies—connections that will expand your expertise and advance your career for years to come.

Epidemiology is an expanding field, and it needs analytical professionals like you who want to transform public health. To explore how the online MS in Clinical Epidemiology program at Kent State can amplify your impact in the world, schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today.