The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual wage of $87,220 for epidemiologists in May 2025. Pay varies by employer, industry, location, education, experience, and the responsibilities of the position. A national occupational median is a reference point; it is not a promised salary or a substitute for the range in a current job posting.
Epidemiologist wages by measure
| BLS measure | May 2025 figure |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage, all epidemiologists | $87,220 |
| Lowest 10 percent earned less than | $61,270 |
| Highest 10 percent earned more than | $138,800 |
The 10th- and 90th-percentile figures describe the national occupation distribution. They are not entry-level and executive salary bands, and they do not predict an individual offer.
Median wages in selected industries
| Industry | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Scientific research and development services | $127,410 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $104,470 |
| State government, excluding education and hospitals | $84,410 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | $83,700 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | $80,680 |
These are BLS medians for selected industries where epidemiologists worked. They do not describe every employer or every epidemiology specialization. Use the employer’s current compensation information when comparing a specific role.
What epidemiologists do
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. Their work can include planning studies, collecting and analyzing data, communicating findings, and supporting public-health programs. The mix of research, applied public health, field work, and program responsibility depends on the employer and specialization.
Education and qualifications
BLS reports that epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree. Some roles may require a specific degree, research background, licensure, methods experience, or other qualifications. Read the current posting for the employer’s stated requirements instead of assuming that one credential or software skill applies to every position.
When comparing opportunities, check:
- The population, condition, or research question the role addresses
- Whether the work is applied public health, research, or a mix
- The study, data, reporting, and program responsibilities
- Required education, experience, methods, and tools
- Work setting, location, schedule, travel, and the posted compensation range
Employment outlook is not a list of current vacancies
BLS projects epidemiologist employment to grow 19 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 800 openings per year on average over the decade. Those are national projections, and BLS says many openings are expected to result from workers transferring occupations or leaving the labor force. They do not show how many jobs are open today, where they are located, or whether a particular employer is hiring.
Use salary data carefully
Compare the duties and qualifications of a specific position with the employer’s posted range. BLS occupational data can add context, but national and industry medians are not individualized salary quotes. Confirm the data year, geography, industry, and occupation definition before comparing figures from different sources.
For candidate resources and current search options, visit HealthStaffingGroup’s Get Hired page. Availability and requirements vary by employer and position; review each listing before applying.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Epidemiologists, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Pay data are May 2025 estimates; projected employment is 2025–35. Reviewed November 6, 2026.
