Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Master's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Epidemiologists focus on understanding patterns of health and disease in populations, using data, research, and analytical skills to inform decisions. This career currently employs about 12,000 people nationwide, with a national median salary of $83,980. Projected employment growth of 16.2% and about 1,000 annual openings indicate steady demand over time. Many roles call for a strong mix of critical and analytical thinking, science, mathematics, problem solving, and communication skills. Leadership and project management abilities can also play an important role, along with comfort using computers and information technology. People interested in this path typically complete a master’s degree, which supports the advanced analytical and scientific work involved. For those who enjoy data-driven work, scientific reasoning, and written and verbal communication, epidemiology offers a structured, research-oriented career with opportunities across different states and metro areas, including some locations with notably higher salaries and opportunity scores.
Epidemiologists earn a national median annual salary of $83,980, with pay varying significantly by location. Several states offer higher median salaries, including California at $110,760, Massachusetts at $115,890, and Washington at $108,240. New York has a median salary of $80,220 and Colorado $73,750, illustrating that compensation can differ even where projected growth is the same. At the metro level, some areas stand out for higher pay. The San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont metro reports a median salary of $130,400, while the Boston–Cambridge–Newton area matches Massachusetts overall at $115,890. The Washington–Arlington–Alexandria metro sits at $112,780, and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim at $105,400. Even within New York state, the New York–Newark–Jersey City metro shows a higher median salary of $98,340 compared with the statewide median. These differences highlight the importance of geographic choice in long-term earning potential.
Epidemiology shows a projected employment growth rate of 16.2%, with about 1,000 annual openings across the United States. With current national employment at around 12,000, this projected growth suggests a meaningful expansion of opportunities over time. The combination of existing positions and ongoing openings can support both new graduates and career changers entering the field. The consistent 16.2% growth figure appears across the top states and top metro areas listed, indicating that this projected rate is not limited to just a few locations. For individuals planning their careers, this means epidemiology offers a structured path with quantified growth expectations, rather than a static or shrinking field. While the number of total jobs is relatively focused compared with some larger occupations, the defined growth and steady annual openings can support long-term planning for those willing to build the necessary education and skill set.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity for epidemiologists, with certain states and metro areas standing out. Among states, California and Massachusetts combine relatively high median salaries ($110,760 and $115,890) with notable employment levels (1,480 and 660) and opportunity scores of 67.38 and 65.87. Washington also offers a high median salary of $108,240 and employment of 1,010, with an opportunity score of 56.29. New York and Colorado show different mixes: New York has a median salary of $80,220 and employment of 670, while Colorado has $73,750 and 430 jobs, reflecting varying trade-offs between pay and job counts. At the metro level, the New York–Newark–Jersey City area has the highest opportunity score (77.27) with a median salary of $98,340. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont offers the highest listed metro salary at $130,400. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, Boston–Cambridge–Newton, and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim also provide strong combinations of salaries, employment, and opportunity scores.
Epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree, reflecting the advanced level of analysis and scientific understanding involved in this career. Success in the field draws on a broad skill set. Critical and analytical thinking, mathematics, and science form the foundation for working with complex data and research questions. Strong writing and reading skills are important for preparing reports and interpreting technical information, while speaking and listening support collaboration and communication with diverse audiences. Problem solving and decision making help guide how findings are interpreted and applied. Creativity and innovation can contribute to developing new approaches or methods, and comfort with computers and information technology supports data-focused work. Leadership and project management skills are also valuable, especially for roles that coordinate studies, teams, or initiatives. For students and career changers, developing this combination of education and skills can help align their background with the demands of epidemiology roles.
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