Environmental Scientist vs Epidemiologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Environmental Scientist
Study environmental issues and develop solutions to protect ecosystems.
Epidemiologist
Study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease in populations.
Epidemiologist earns more on average — the national median is $11,984/year (18%) higher than a Environmental Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Environmental Scientist vs Epidemiologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Environmental Scientist | Epidemiologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $93,981 | $111,305 | Environmental $17,324 |
| New York, NY | $79,495 | $92,579 | Environmental $13,084 |
| Seattle, WA | $96,917 | $110,341 | Environmental $13,424 |
| Austin, TX | $72,941 | $86,111 | Environmental $13,170 |
| Chicago, IL | $69,521 | $84,636 | Environmental $15,115 |
| Boston, MA | $87,770 | $103,955 | Environmental $16,185 |
| London, UK | £51,309 | £61,870 | Environmental $10,561 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$89,843 | CA$101,116 | Environmental $11,273 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Environmental Scientist or Epidemiologist earn more?+
A Epidemiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Environmental Scientist is $66,375/year, compared to $78,359/year for a Epidemiologist — a difference of $11,984 (18%).
Which has better career growth — Environmental Scientist or Epidemiologist?+
Environmental Scientist roles are growing at 7% YoY while Epidemiologist demand is growing at 18% YoY. Epidemiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Environmental Scientist 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 — Environmental Scientist or Epidemiologist?+
Epidemiologist has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.