### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Epidemiologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			epidemiologists imageEpidemiologists collect and analyze data, sometimes through interviews, to find the causes of diseases or other health problems.							
						Quick Facts:     Epidemiologists2023     Median Pay
            						$81,390     per year
										$39.13     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Master's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    10,000Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    27% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    2,700What Epidemiologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Epidemiologists work in offices and laboratories, usually at health departments for state and local governments, in hospitals, and at colleges and universities.
            
                                                How to Become an Epidemiologist
                                                
                        
Epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. They may have a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field, and some have completed a doctoral degree in epidemiology or medicine.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for epidemiologists was $81,390 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of epidemiologists is projected to grow							 27 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 800 openings for epidemiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for epidemiologists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of epidemiologists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about epidemiologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Epidemiologists Do 
            

			EpidemiologistsEpidemiologists monitor infectious diseases, bioterrorism threats, and other problem areas for public health agencies.			
Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy.
Duties
Epidemiologists typically do the following:
Plan and direct studies of public health problems to find ways to prevent them or to treat them if they arise
Collect and analyze information—including data from observations, interviews, surveys, and samples of blood or other bodily fluids—to find the causes of diseases or other health problems
Communicate findings to health practitioners, policymakers, and the public
Manage programs through planning, monitoring progress, and seeking ways to improve
Supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel
Write grant proposals to fund researchEpidemiologists collect and analyze data to investigate health issues. For example, an epidemiologist might study demographic data to determine groups at high risk for a particular disease. They also may research trends in populations of survivors of certain diseases, such as cancer, to identify effective treatments.
Epidemiologists typically work in applied public health or in research. Applied epidemiologists work for state and local governments, often addressing public health problems through education outreach and survey efforts in communities. Research epidemiologists typically work for universities or in affiliation with federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Epidemiologists who work in private industry may conduct research for health insurance providers or pharmaceutical companies. Those in nonprofit companies often focus on public health advocacy instead of research, which is expected to be unbiased.
Epidemiologists typically specialize in one or more public health areas, including the following:
Chronic diseases
Environmental health
Genetic and molecular epidemiology
Infectious diseases
Injury
Maternal and child health
Mental health
Public health preparedness and emergency response
Veterinary epidemiologyFor more information on occupations that concentrate on the biology or effects of disease, see the profiles for biochemists and biophysicists, medical scientists, microbiologists, and physicians and surgeons.
 Work Environment
			EpidemiologistsField work may require interaction with sick patients, yet safety precautions ensure that the likelihood of exposure to disease is minimal.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Epidemiologists held about 10,000 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of epidemiologists were as follows:
        State government, excluding education and hospitals
                36%Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                21Hospitals; state, local, and private
                12Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                9Scientific research and development services
                7Work environments vary because of the diverse nature of epidemiological specializations. Epidemiologists typically work in offices and laboratories to study data and prepare reports. They also may work in clinical settings or the field, supporting emergency actions.
Epidemiologists working in the field may need to be active in the community, including traveling to support education efforts or to administer studies and surveys. Because modern science has reduced the prevalence of infectious disease in developed countries, infectious disease epidemiologists often travel to remote areas and developing nations in order to carry out their studies.
Epidemiologists encounter minimal risk when working in laboratories or in the field, because they have received appropriate training and take precautions before interacting with samples or patients.
Work Schedules
Epidemiologists who work full time and typically have a standard schedule. Occasionally, epidemiologists may have to work irregular schedules in order to complete fieldwork or attend to duties during public health emergencies.
 How to Become an Epidemiologist

			EpidemiologistsEpidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation.			
Epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. They may have a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field, and some have completed a doctoral degree in epidemiology or medicine.
Education
Epidemiologists typically need at least a master’s degree. The degree may be in a range of fields or specializations, although a master’s degree in public health with an emphasis in epidemiology is common. Epidemiologists who direct research projects—including those who work as postsecondary teachers in colleges and universities—often have a Ph.D. or medical degree in their chosen field.
To enter graduate programs in epidemiology, applicants typically need a bachelor's degree in a field such as biology, public policy and social services, or social science. Epidemiology programs include coursework in public health, biological and physical sciences, and math and statistics. Topics of study may include comparative healthcare systems, medical informatics, and survey and study design.
Master’s degree programs in public health, as well as other programs that are specific to epidemiology, may require students to complete an internship or practicum that typically ranges in length from a semester to a year. Internships and other training opportunities are available at federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Some epidemiologists have degrees in both epidemiology and medicine. These scientists often focus on clinical work. In medical school, students spend most of their first 2 years in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, microbiology, and pathology. Medical students also learn to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Epidemiologists use speaking and writing skills to inform officials and the public, such as for community outreach activities to explain health risks. They also must be able to convey information effectively to other health workers.
***Critical-thinking skills.*** Epidemiologists must be able to consider a variety of resources in responding to a public health problem or health-related emergency.
***Detail oriented.*** Epidemiologists must be precise and accurate in moving from observation and interview to conclusions.
***Leadership skills.*** Epidemiologists may direct staff in research or in investigating a disease. They also may need to assign work and evaluate staff performances.
***Math and statistical skills.*** Epidemiologists may need to analyze data when reviewing results from studies and surveys. Skill in using large databases and statistical computer programs is critical.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                EpidemiologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Life scientists$88,620  Epidemiologists$81,390  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for epidemiologists was $81,390 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $132,230.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for epidemiologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Scientific research and development services
                $115,660Hospitals; state, local, and private
                98,430Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                82,430State government, excluding education and hospitals
                74,650Local government, excluding education and hospitals
                73,870Epidemiologists who work full time typically have a standard schedule. Occasionally, epidemiologists may have to work irregular schedules in order to complete fieldwork or attend to duties during public health emergencies.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                EpidemiologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Epidemiologists27%  Life scientists7%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of epidemiologists is projected to grow				 27 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 800 openings for epidemiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Demand for epidemiologists is expected to increase as enhancements in healthcare technology permit the discovery of new and emerging diseases. These discoveries require research to understand the diseases and to develop methods for mitigating adverse health consequences.
Many jobs for these workers are in state and local governments, where epidemiologists are needed to help provide public health services and respond to emergencies. However, because epidemiological and public health programs largely depend on public funding, budgetary constraints may directly impact employment growth.
Demand for epidemiologists also is expected to increase as more hospitals join programs such as the National Healthcare Safety Network and realize the benefits of strengthened infection control programs.
			

                        Employment projections data for     epidemiologists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Epidemiologists**
			19-1041
			10,000
			12,700
			27
			2,700
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Epidemiologists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of epidemiologists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Anthropologists and Archeologists**
            Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.
            Master's degree
            $63,800**Economists**
            Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.
            Master's degree
            $115,730**Environmental Scientists and Specialists**
            Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Geographers**
            Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.
            Bachelor's degree
            $90,880**Health Education Specialists**
            Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being.
            Bachelor's degree
            $62,860**Medical Scientists**
            Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $100,890**Microbiologists**
            Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.
            Bachelor's degree
            $85,470**Physicians and Surgeons**
            Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.**Political Scientists**
            Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
            Master's degree
            $132,350**Registered Nurses**
            Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $86,070**Survey Researchers**
            Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.
            Master's degree
            $60,960**Mathematicians and Statisticians**
            Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.
            Master's degree
            $104,860
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about epidemiologists, visit
American College of Epidemiology
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
For more information about epidemiology careers in the federal government, visit
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institutes of Health
For public health–related information, visit
American Epidemiological Society
American Public Health Association
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
National Academy for State Health Policy
Public Health Foundation
CareerOneStop
For a career video on epidemiologists, visit
Epidemiologists

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Epidemiologists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Epidemiologists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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