Science & Research San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Epidemiologist Salary in San Jose, California

The median epidemiologist salary in San Jose, CA is $131,914 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$131,914
vs State Avg
+$23,556
vs National
+$53,394
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median epidemiologist salary of $131,914, which is $23,556 above the California state average of $108,358. Compared to the national median of $78,520, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $131,914 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $78,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for epidemiologists in San Jose spans from $84,000 at the 10th percentile to $211,680 at the 90th percentile — a $127,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,360, while senior epidemiologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $201,600. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Epidemiologist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level epidemiologist earns around $87,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $201,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,360
+$35,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
+$54,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$201,600
+$81,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $84,000
25th Percentile $104,160
Median (50th) $131,914
75th Percentile $169,680
90th Percentile $211,680

Epidemiologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$142,906
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$114,639
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$111,498
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$92,654
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Epidemiologist in San Jose

Education

Most epidemiologist positions require a master's degree. San Jose 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 Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Epidemiologist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open epidemiologist positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Epidemiologist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Epidemiologist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median epidemiologist salary in San Jose, California is $131,914 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $78,520. Salaries range from $84,000 (10th percentile) to $211,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Epidemiologist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,914, a epidemiologist in San Jose earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for epidemiologist pay? ▼
San Jose's median epidemiologist salary of $131,914 is 21.7% above the California state average of $108,358. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a epidemiologist salary of $131,914 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a epidemiologist in San Jose? ▼
Most epidemiologist positions in San Jose 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.