Epidemiologists Salary in California
In California, epidemiologists earn $100,410 at the median — $48.27 an hour. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $172K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $100K get you in California?
About epidemiologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level epidemiologists (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $172K or more - a $107K spread from bottom to top.
Epidemiologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $110K | +31% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $105K | +25% | 470 |
| Rhode Island | $101K | +20% | 70 |
| California | $100K | +20% | 1,590 |
| Washington | $100K | +19% | 960 |
| Minnesota | $99K | +18% | 260 |
| Illinois | $99K | +18% | 190 |
| District of Columbia | $98K | +17% | 100 |
| Tennessee | $97K | +15% | 240 |
| Maryland | $94K | +12% | 440 |
| New York | $90K | +7% | 460 |
| Oregon | $89K | +6% | 120 |
| Connecticut | $85K | +1% | 160 |
| Virginia | $84K | +1% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $84K | -0% | 400 |
Track epidemiologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do epidemiologists make in California?
The median is $100,410 a year - that works out to about $48.27 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,140, and experienced epidemiologists can clear $172,160. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,129/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 35.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a epidemiologists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median epidemiologists salary is worth about $100,410 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do epidemiologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.