Research Scientist vs Epidemiologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Research Scientist
Conduct experiments and research to advance knowledge in scientific fields.
Epidemiologist
Study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease in populations.
Research Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $3,131/year (4%) higher than a Epidemiologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Research Scientist vs Epidemiologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Research Scientist | Epidemiologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $116,069 | $111,305 | Research +$4,764 |
| New York, NY | $96,854 | $92,579 | Research +$4,275 |
| Seattle, WA | $116,232 | $110,341 | Research +$5,891 |
| Austin, TX | $93,039 | $86,111 | Research +$6,928 |
| Chicago, IL | $87,810 | $84,636 | Research +$3,174 |
| Boston, MA | $108,434 | $103,955 | Research +$4,479 |
| London, UK | £61,973 | £61,870 | Research +$103 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$107,273 | CA$101,116 | Research +$6,157 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Research Scientist or Epidemiologist earn more?+
A Research Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Research Scientist is $81,490/year, compared to $78,359/year for a Epidemiologist — a difference of $3,131 (4%).
Which has better career growth — Research Scientist or Epidemiologist?+
Research Scientist roles are growing at 8% YoY while Epidemiologist demand is growing at 18% YoY. Epidemiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Research 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 — Research Scientist or Epidemiologist?+
Epidemiologist has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.