Epidemiologists analyze data, trends, causes and effects of health and disease to help inform public policy and decision-making and provide information for preventive healthcare. The epidemiologist salary in the US is the highest at $63,380 per year, followed by Australia with AU$76,674 ($58238.12 USD) and Canada with C$68,250 ($51,016.40).
India, on the other hand, has the lowest salary for this career with Rs600,000 ( $8,973.11 USD). Salaries vary worldwide for epidemiologists depending on experience and geographic region with details outlined in this guide.
How Much Does an Epidemiologist Make Per Year?
| Epidemiologist Salaries | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $26 | C$38
(US$ 28.38) |
£22
(US$ 27.47) |
AU$43
(US$ 32.99) |
NZ$38
(US$ 27.80) |
Rs333
(US$ 4.98) |
R165
(US$ 12.25) |
| Annual Wage (median) | $63,380 | C$68,250
(US$ 50,965) |
£40,225
(US$ 50,221) |
AU$76,674
(US$ 58,829) |
NZ$68,018
(US$ 49,756) |
Rs600,000
(US$ 8,988) |
R297,517
(US$ 22,096) |
Factors That Influence the Epidemiologist Salary
Salaries for epidemiologists vary worldwide for this field. Experience and geographic region are the primary influence on salary.
1. Geographic Area
Epidemiologist Salary in the US
Payscale.com reports salary ranges for epidemiologists ranging from $42,612 to $99,240 per year, with the median annual salary sitting at about $63,380. There is potential for additional bonus and profit sharing earnings that may total more than $30,000. Salaries often peak with 10 to 20 years’ experience when the median salary is about $87,000 per year. For those with more than 20 years’ experience, incomes do not increase much more as the median income is about $95,000 for these senior level professionals.
Epidemiologist Salary in Canada
Epidemiologists in Canada earn between C$47,394 and C$85,952 and the median annual salary is $68,250. An additional C$5,000 can be earned through bonus. For those with Statistical Analysis System (SAS) training, incomes may be higher.
Epidemiologist Salary in UK
In the UK, the median annual salary for epidemiologists is about £40,225. Those beginning their careers can expect salaries of about £28,883, increasing up to £60,500 with experience. There also is potential for bonus of nearly £2,000. While experience is tied to salary ranges, it appears that most people move on to other careers after 20 years’ experience in this field.
Epidemiologist Salary in Australia
Salaries for epidemiologists in Australia range from AU$49,316 to AU$109,262 per year, with the median salary at AU$76,674. An additional AU$7,500 can be earned through bonus incentives. Those who enter a career in epidemiology appear to have longevity in this field with about 15% of professionals possessing 20 or more years’ of experience.
Epidemiologist Salary in New Zealand
There is limited information for the salary ranges for epidemiologists in New Zealand; however, careers.aut.ac.nz includes job postings for a data scientist in the Centre for Social Data Analytics. Data scientists have similar job functionality in that they analyze data for trends that inform next steps, predictive modeling and future expectations. The salary range for these types of positions are between NZ$57,244 and NZ$78,792.
Epidemiologist Salary in India
In India, those entering the field of epidemiology can expect a beginning salary of about Rs126,000, while senior level professionals may earn Rs1,972,651. Bonuses of about Rs42,000 may also be possible. Epidemiology appears to be a young career in India as about 91% of the field’s professionals in this country have four years’ or less experience.
Epidemiologist Salary in South Africa
An epidemiologist in South Africa earns between R160,423 and R694,210 per year, with the median annual salary at R297,517. There is also the potential to earn an additional Rs9,916 in bonus.
2. Experience
The gap between entry level and senior level salaries for epidemiologists indicate the influence of experience on income in this field. In India, where epidemiology appears to be growing and the workforce has less experience compared to other countries, as individuals continue in their career, salaries appear to rise quickly.
The gap in pay for those beginning their careers in India compared to those with five to nine years’ experience is 1,466% or Rs1,846,651. South Africa also shows a wide margin between starting and senior level salaries with a difference of 333%.
To begin a career in epidemiology, the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree is required; however, some organizations require advanced degrees. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), a master’s degree in public health or a related field of study is required, and some epidemiologists have doctorate or medical degrees.
3. Industry
Epidemiologists work in offices and laboratories for public health, state and local government agencies, hospitals and colleges and universities. Their work may put them in contact with infectious diseases that they are gathering data on, but risk of actual infection is minimal, according to bls.gov.
Those with careers in epidemiology have the opportunity to assist with community public health issues while enjoying good pay and benefits.
Working Hours
Typical work hours for epidemiologists are Monday through Friday during business hours; however, weekend or night work may be required at times. It may also be necessary to travel to areas for fieldwork to conduct interviews or collect samples that data collection and analysis. Those working in the field of epidemiology enjoy a good work-life balance that comes with consistent work schedules and high job satisfaction from the enjoyment gained from helping the public health community.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
A complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage is typical for those working in the field of epidemiology. The potential for bonus and profit sharing is also common worldwide.
Job Outlook
The overall demand for epidemiologists is lighter in comparison to other healthcare related positions, but expected to remain steady. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) reports that growth rate is expected to be 6% for epidemiologists from 2014 to 2024, which is considered an average growth rate in line with other professions in the US.
Conclusion
Epidemiologists enjoy good salaries and benefits packages while working in a career with the potential to assist and improve the overall health of the larger community. Professionals in this field enjoy high job satisfaction and a positive work-life balance. Future employment opportunities are steady and in line with overall job growth compared to other industries.
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