Top Paying Epidemiology Jobs and Salary Trends in 2025

Published on: Jul 30, 2025
Kerra Henkin headshot

WRITTEN BY

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML
Katherine Paul

REVIEWED BY

Katherine Paul, MPH

Epidemiology is more than a profession—it’s a mission-driven career at the heart of public health. Often described as the “disease detectives” of the public health and health care worlds, epidemiologists use data, critical thinking, and scientific insight to uncover risk factors for and patterns of illness, prevent outbreaks, aid in the creation of vaccines, and guide health policy at every level1. Whether responding to global pandemics or tracking chronic diseases in local communities, their work shapes the health of populations and the policies that protect these populations. From managing disease outbreaks to conducting long-term studies on cancer risk factors or cardiovascular trends, epidemiologists serve as a vital link between data and action.

But before stepping into this field, it’s essential to understand the financial landscape. Like many public health roles, salaries for epidemiologists can vary widely depending on where you work, your educational background, and how much experience you bring to the table. A recent 2025 labor analysis by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) highlighted a growing national demand for trained epidemiologists, particularly in the wake of increased federal funding for pandemic preparedness and chronic disease surveillance2.

This guide will explore epidemiology salaries across the U.S., from entry-level positions to specialized senior roles. We’ll examine how location, education, work setting, and specialization influence pay and help you make informed decisions about your career in epidemiology.

Average Epidemiologist Salary in the U.S.

Curious about how much epidemiologists make? The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers a solid starting point, while additional salary aggregators help refine the picture.

  • BLS

    In 2024, the median annual salary for an epidemiologist in the United States was $83,980 per year with a job growth rate of 19%3.

  • Salary.com

    As of June 2025, Salary.com lists an average annual salary of $102,242 per year for epidemiologists4. 

  • Payscale.com

    Gives a slightly lower number, with the average base salary for epidemiologists at $72,719 per year in 20255.

Salary by Career Stage

  • Entry-level epidemiologist salary

    (0–2 years): Expect $61,000–$69,0005

  • Mid-career epidemiologist salary

    (3–6 years): Generally $69,000–$84,0005

  • Senior/lead epidemiologist salary

    (7+ years): Ranges $84,000–up to $109,000+, especially in leadership or specialized roles5

Illustrative example:
An early-career epidemiologist at a state health department has a job opening for $65,000, while a senior infectious disease epidemiologist at the CDC or pharmaceutical firm can surpass $110,000. A job posting for a senior-level CDC epidemiologist may list a starting salary of over $120,000, reflecting the premium on experience and specialization in federal roles.

Job Outlook & Security

Demand for epidemiologists remains strong, driven by increased investments in pandemic preparedness, chronic disease monitoring, and public health infrastructure. This ensures not only a solid salary, but also long-term job security. These figures reflect the wide variation present in epidemiologist salary, from entry-level roles to expert-level positions, as seen across employer job postings on platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, and public health agency sites.

Salary by Work Setting

An epidemiologist’s salary is significantly shaped by where they work. Different sectors offer varying pay scales, benefits, and job structures. Here’s a breakdown of how salaries compare across common work settings:

  • Federal Agencies

    (National Institutes of Health, CDC) — Epidemiologists employed by the CDC earn an average salary of around $83K-$120K, according to Glassdoor reports6. Federal roles typically follow the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with epidemiologists often starting at GS‑12 (~$69,000) and advancing to senior levels7,8. These positions include comprehensive benefits packages such as retirement plans, health care, and student loan forgiveness9.

  • State/Local Health Departments

    Reflecting BLS data, state and local governments hire more epidemiologists than any other sector10. As of 2023, annual wages hovered slightly below $80K nationally.

  • Academic Institutions

    Epidemiologists in colleges and universities average $85,480 per year, while scientific research institutions average $126,870 per year10. Research or grant-funded positions may pay above these figures, particularly in tenured or principal investigator roles.

  • Private Sector

    The highest salaries often come from pharmaceutical epidemiology positions, which earn around $154,610 annually in pharma and medicine manufacturing10. Studies show that epidemiologists may earn significantly more in the private sector than the local public sector (i.e., health departments)11.

Trade-offs & Considerations

  • Federal roles typically offer stability, structured promotion, and strong benefits.

  • State and local public health agencies provide meaningful, community-level experiences, but budgets may limit salary.

  • Academic careers reward research depth but fluctuate with grant cycles.

  • Private sector roles yield the highest salaries, though corporate culture and pressure may vary.

  • Field epidemiologist jobs often involve travel, irregular schedules, and variable conditions, balanced by on-the-ground impact. In some public sector roles, particularly during health emergencies or outbreak responses, overtime pay may apply, although it's more common for hourly or contract-based positions than salaried roles. This is something to keep in mind when calculating the actual compensation you will earn.

In summary, private and pharma sectors lead in pay, often offering 20–40% more than public health roles, while federal and NGO positions offer strong benefits and mission-driven work6-11. Some organizations, especially larger institutions, also offer dedicated human resources support to assist with professional development, employee assistance programs, relocation packages, or continuing education—benefits that can enhance overall job satisfaction beyond base salary.

Highest and Lowest Paying Roles in Epidemiology

Highest Paying Roles

What is the highest paying epidemiology job? At the top of the pay scale are roles that combine advanced analytics, leadership, and industry alignment:

  • Pharmaceutical Epidemiologist

    Working in pharma or biotech, these professionals often command salaries of about $155,000 on average10.

  • Director of Public Health Surveillance

    In government or NGO settings, this leadership role typically earns $174,000–$212,000, managing complex teams and high-impact disease tracking systems12.

  • Environmental Epidemiologist

    Professionals working for the government or research institutions investigating how environmental exposures affect population health, such as air pollution, toxic waste, or occupational hazards, can earn up to $134,00024.

  • Veterinary Epidemiologist

    Focused on tracking disease patterns in animals and zoonotic disease transmission to humans, veterinary epidemiologists often work for the USDA, CDC, or global health agencies. You can make up to $133,000 as a veterinary epidemiologist25.

Lower-Paid Entry Roles

What is the lowest paid role for epidemiologists? Entry-level roles focused on data support or research assistance typically offer more modest compensation:

  • Assistant Data Analyst

    These early-career professionals earn an average of about $72,000, often with only a bachelor’s degree or in training programs13.

  • Research Assistant

    Research support roles can fall between $49,000–$89,000, constrained by grant funding and institutional budgets14.

These salary gaps often reflect the complexity of the role, the funding source (e.g., private vs. nonprofit), and credential levels (e.g., MPH vs. PhD). An infectious disease epidemiologist with modeling skills and a doctoral degree will earn significantly more than an entry-level research associate in a university lab.

Geographic Differences in Epidemiology Salary

Geographic location plays a key role in epidemiology salary, reflecting demand, cost of living, and regional health priorities.

Top Paying U.S. Regions

According to BLS data, the mean annual wage for epidemiologists in the highest paying metro areas is:

  • San Francisco, CA: $127,63010

  • Washington, DC area: $121,75010

  • Boston, MA: $114,67010

These regions commonly top the charts due to a combination of high living costs and a concentration of federal, biotech, and academic employers.

Rural Demand & Cost-of-Living Tradeoffs

Nonmetropolitan areas, like parts of rural Montana, report mean wages around $70,970, but lower living costs may partially offset reduced earnings. Moreover, rural public health shortages often lead to relocation incentives, meaning an epidemiologist might earn $5,000–$10,000 more in stipends or loan forgiveness for rural deployment. 

Cost-of-Living vs. Nominal Pay

While urban hubs offer higher pay, much of this wage premium is absorbed by higher housing, transportation, and living expenses. Postdoc and academic roles, for example, don’t always account for cost-of-living differences, reducing real-world earnings in expensive cities like Boston and San Francisco. Still, these positions often provide valuable experience in publishing research findings, collaborating internationally, and building a foundation for leadership in public health.

Takeaways

  • High-paying metro areas (MA, DC, CA) lead in salary pay, but higher expenses may narrow those advantages.

  • Rural/underserved regions may offer incentives and cost savings.

By weighing salary against cost of living and benefits, epidemiologists can better identify opportunities that align with both their professional goals and financial wellbeing.

Career Advancement & Salary Growth Over Time

Is epidemiology a good career? For those interested in data-driven problem solving and public impact, the answer is a clear yes, especially when considering long-term salary growth and leadership potential.

Most professionals begin their career in epidemiology in roles such as research assistants or junior analysts. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) or relevant field experience, they can move into titles like Epidemiologist I, typically earning around $85,000 early on16. As experience grows, so do responsibilities and compensation. Mid-career professionals often step into roles like Infectious Disease Specialist or Healthcare Data Manager, with salaries ranging from $97,000 to $120,000+17,18. Leadership roles, such as a Public Health Director, can surpass $175,000, particularly in federal agencies or global organizations12. These positions emphasize policy design, budget oversight, and interagency collaboration—moving beyond technical analysis into strategic leadership.

To boost advancement, epidemiologists benefit from continued education and certifications such as the CPH (Certified in Public Health) credential. Fluency in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, Stata), combined with strong communication and leadership skills, also accelerates career mobility. Aligning your research interests with high-demand areas, like infectious disease, chronic illness, or environmental health, can further enhance opportunities for promotion and specialization.

Ultimately, building a career in epidemiology isn’t just about data, it’s about influence, innovation, and lasting public impact. The combination of meaningful work and steady salary progression makes it a strong long-term path for public health professionals.

Remote and Freelance Epidemiology Roles

Can you work remotely as an epidemiologist? Increasingly, yes. Advances in digital health tools and data infrastructure have opened new doors for remote and freelance epidemiology careers. Many professionals now work from home analyzing surveillance data, modeling disease spread, or consulting on public health policies.

Remote roles are especially common in academic research, global monitoring, nonprofit evaluation, and pandemic tracking initiatives. Contract epidemiologists may support CDC or World Health Organization (WHO) projects without relocating. Many public health agencies and global NGOs also include language in their job descriptions that they are an equal opportunity employers, reinforcing their commitment to diversity in hiring for remote and field-based roles. Remote work can also increase accessibility for professionals managing a disability, offering greater flexibility and reduced barriers to workplace participation.

Remote salaries for epidemiology roles may be modestly lower than on-site positions, reflecting a trade-off for flexibility and reduced living costs.

Comparing Epidemiologist Pay to Related Public Health Roles

Epidemiologists earn competitive salaries compared to many other public health careers, particularly in data-driven roles. However, some specialties offer higher compensation depending on technical demands and industry alignment.

  • Biostatisticians often earn a higher starting salary than epidemiologists, with salaries ranging from $98,000 to $163,00019.

  • Health information technologists typically earn around $67,000 per year, with upward mobility in hospital and IT settings20.

  • Clinical research professionals, such as clinical trials managers or coordinators for cancer research, generally earn $101,000 to $189,000, depending on experience and role complexity21. Those working in a clinical setting, such as hospitals or research institutes, may also receive additional compensation tied to patient-facing responsibilities or regulatory compliance demands.

  • Public health nurses are critical to frontline care and earning decent wages, usually $74,000 to $102,000, though advanced practice roles (like public health nurse practitioners) may earn more22. A nurse epidemiologist, otherwise given the job title of a clinical epidemiologist or medical epidemiologist, with training in disease surveillance, can earn on the higher end of this scale, depending on their training and expertise.

While clinical research and public health nurses offer strong salaries, epidemiology stands out for its analytical focus, policy relevance, and long-term stability. This field is ideal for professionals drawn to data, strategy, and impact over hands-on patient care.

Key Takeaways

  • The national average salary for epidemiologists ranges from $57,000 to $135,000, depending on source and sector, with the median being $83,98023.

  • Work setting influences pay: Pharma and private industry offer the highest salaries, while public health departments and academia may pay less but offer strong benefits10.

  • Location affects salary: Massachusetts, California, and D.C. offer top wages, while rural roles may include bonuses or cost-of-living advantages10.

  • Epidemiology is a stable, growing field with strong job security and increasing demand in global health, chronic disease tracking, and pandemic preparedness.

Whether you're exploring a career path or planning a masters degree, epidemiology offers both intellectual fulfillment and financial opportunity.

References

  1. https://www.who.int/bangladesh/news/detail/09-10-2018-the-disease-detectives-how-epidemiologists-investigate-the-source-of-infections

  2. https://www.astho.org/globalassets/pdf/astho-appropriations-book.pdf

  3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm 

  4. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/epidemiologist-salary

  5. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Epidemiologist/Salary 

  6. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Centers-for-Disease-Control-and-Prevention-Epidemiologist-Salaries-E14107_D_KO43%2C57.htm 

  7. https://www.cdc.gov/eis/php/participants/benefits.html

  8. https://www.federalpay.org/gs/2022/GS-12 

  9. https://jobs.cdc.gov/benefits/index.html

  10. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes191041.htm

  11. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/key-government-public-health-positions-pay-well-below-private-sector

  12. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/public-health-director-salary

  13. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Assistant-Data-Analyst-Salary

  14. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/research-assistant-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm

  15. https://www1.salary.com/Salaries-for-Epidemiologist-with-a-JD-MD-PhD-or-Equivalent

  16. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Entry-Level-Epidemiologist-Salary

  17. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Infectious-Disease-Epidemiologist-Salary

  18. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Healthcare-Data-Manager-Salary

  19. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/biostatistician-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm

  20. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm

  21. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/clinical-research-professional-salary-SRCH_KO0,30.htm

  22. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/public-health-nurse-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm

  23. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm#tab-5

  24. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Environmental-Epidemiologist-Salary

  25. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Veterinary-Epidemiologist-Salary

About the Authors

Written by:

Kerra Henkin , MPH, ML

Kerra Henkin, MPH, ML, is a program manager at one of the largest academic medical centers in the country. In her current role, she aligns and expands programming with needs identified in the federally mandated community health needs assessment, and deploys organizational resources to support community health improvement. Prior to this role, she was a community health educator for an advocacy nonprofit organization in Philadelphia. She has co-authored multiple research papers on criminal justice and substance abuse, and will be presenting on law enforcement assisted diversion at the 2023 American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. 

Ms. Henkin holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master in Law (ML) from the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences from Ithaca College.

Opinions and information published by the author on MastersPublicHealth.com are of her own and do not necessarily represent the views of opinions of her employer.

Kerra Henkin headshot

Kerra Henkin , MPH, ML

Program Manager

Education: University of Pennsylvania

Knowledge: Community health education

Reviewed by:

Katherine Paul , MPH

Katherine Paul, MPH is a senior project manager at a leading medical communications and publications organization. She supports multidisciplinary teams handling large-scale accounts, the deliverables of which improve health outcomes and patient well-being. Ms. Paul holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Health Promotion from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and passed the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) shortly after graduation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Dickinson College.

Ms. Paul previously worked at a public health non-profit where she managed all aspects of diverse health-related projects, including the implementation of a randomized controlled clinical trial on sexual health for teens with developmental disabilities, as well as the evaluation of a statewide tobacco cessation program with more than 20,000 annual cases. She has developed and delivered posters and presentations at national conferences including the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting. 

Opinions and information published by the author here on MastersPublicHealth.com are of my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of my employer or other organizations for my designated roles.

Katherine Paul

Katherine Paul , MPH

Editorial Lead

Education: Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health

Dive Deeper in Research

Career Guides

Unlocked: Finding Long-Term Career Opportunities with a Public Health Degree

Career Guides

An Essential Guide to MPH Programs in Epidemiology: Finding Your Best Fit

Programs

Decoding the Differences: A Guide to Careers in Epidemiology and Biostatistics