💵 Salary Range in the U.S. (2025)
Salaries for ID specialists vary based on location, experience, and work setting (e.g., academic vs. private hospital).
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Minimum/Starting Salary: $175,000 – $210,000
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Average Salary: $230,000 – $275,000
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Top Earners: $300,000 – $350,000+ (especially in high-need regions or private practice)
Note: ID specialists are in growing demand due to global pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and aging populations.
🔍 What Does an Infectious Disease Specialist Do?
An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They are often called in when infections are complex, unusual, or resistant to standard treatments.
Typical responsibilities include:
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Diagnosing and treating illnesses like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, COVID-19, MRSA, and tropical diseases
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Reviewing travel histories and vaccination records
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Conducting and interpreting advanced lab tests and cultures
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Advising on infection control in hospitals and long-term care facilities
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Treating immunocompromised patients (e.g., cancer, transplant, ICU patients)
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Leading epidemiological investigations and public health efforts
🎓 Education & Training Requirements
Becoming an Infectious Disease doctor requires a significant investment in education and training:
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Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
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Medical School – MD or DO (4 years)
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Internal Medicine Residency (3 years)
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Infectious Disease Fellowship (2 years)
Total: 13–14 years of education and training after high school
📜 Certification
After completing the fellowship, ID specialists typically earn board certification:
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American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) – Certification in Infectious Disease
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Ongoing Maintenance of Certification (MOC) every 10 years + continuing medical education (CME)
🏛️ Licensing
Every Infectious Disease Specialist must:
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Pass the USMLE (MD) or COMLEX-USA (DO) exams
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Obtain a state medical license
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Renew licenses as required by their practicing state
🌍 Career Outlook
With increasing international travel, antibiotic resistance, emerging viruses (like SARS-CoV-2), and global health concerns, infectious disease doctors are critical in:
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Hospitals
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Public health organizations (CDC, WHO)
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Academic research
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International healthcare
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Travel medicine
🧾 Quick Summary Table
| 📌 Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🩺 Role | Diagnose & treat infectious diseases |
| 💵 Salary Range | $175K – $350K annually |
| 🎓 Education | MD/DO + Residency + Fellowship |
| 📜 Certification | ABIM Board-Certified in Infectious Disease |
| 🪪 Licensing | USMLE/COMLEX + State license |