Biologist vs Epidemiologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Biologist
Study living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Epidemiologist
Study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease in populations.
Epidemiologist earns more on average — the national median is $6,453/year (9%) higher than a Biologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Biologist vs Epidemiologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Biologist | Epidemiologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $104,471 | $111,305 | Biologist $6,834 |
| New York, NY | $85,420 | $92,579 | Biologist $7,159 |
| Seattle, WA | $104,628 | $110,341 | Biologist $5,713 |
| Austin, TX | $77,983 | $86,111 | Biologist $8,128 |
| Chicago, IL | $76,685 | $84,636 | Biologist $7,951 |
| Boston, MA | $92,985 | $103,955 | Biologist $10,970 |
| London, UK | £54,717 | £61,870 | Biologist $7,153 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$95,380 | CA$101,116 | Biologist $5,736 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Biologist or Epidemiologist earn more?+
A Epidemiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Biologist is $71,906/year, compared to $78,359/year for a Epidemiologist — a difference of $6,453 (9%).
Which has better career growth — Biologist or Epidemiologist?+
Biologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Epidemiologist demand is growing at 18% YoY. Epidemiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Biologist to Epidemiologist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Biologist or Epidemiologist?+
Epidemiologist has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.