Science & Research San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Epidemiologist Salary in San Diego, California

The median epidemiologist salary in San Diego, CA is $111,498 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$111,498
vs State Avg
+$3,140
vs National
+$32,978
Cost of Living
142%

Epidemiologist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median epidemiologist salary of $111,498, which is $3,140 above the California state average of $108,358. Compared to the national median of $78,520, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $111,498 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for epidemiologists in San Diego spans from $71,000 at the 10th percentile to $178,920 at the 90th percentile — a $107,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,840, while senior epidemiologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Epidemiologist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level epidemiologist earns around $73,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,840
+$21,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,600
+$33,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,400
+$50,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $71,000
25th Percentile $88,040
Median (50th) $111,498
75th Percentile $143,420
90th Percentile $178,920

Epidemiologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$142,906
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$131,914
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$114,639
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$92,654
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Epidemiologist in San Diego

Education

Most epidemiologist positions require a master's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EpidemiologyBiostatisticsSAS/RDisease SurveillanceResearch MethodsPublic Health

Job Outlook

Nationally, epidemiologist employment is projected to grow 27% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Epidemiologist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open epidemiologist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Epidemiologist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Epidemiologist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median epidemiologist salary in San Diego, California is $111,498 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $78,520. Salaries range from $71,000 (10th percentile) to $178,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Epidemiologist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,498, a epidemiologist in San Diego earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for epidemiologist pay? ▼
San Diego's median epidemiologist salary of $111,498 is 2.9% above the California state average of $108,358. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a epidemiologist salary of $111,498 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a epidemiologist in San Diego? ▼
Most epidemiologist positions in San Diego require a master's degree. Key skills include Epidemiology, Biostatistics, SAS/R, Disease Surveillance. The job market is projected to grow 27% nationally over the next decade.