Summary
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Quick Facts: Epidemiologists | |
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$74,560 per year
$35.84 per hour |
|
Master's degree | |
None | |
None | |
8,000 | |
5% (Faster than average) | |
400 |
What Epidemiologists Do
Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.
Work Environment
Epidemiologists work in offices and laboratories, usually at health departments for state and local governments, in hospitals, and at colleges and universities. Epidemiologists are also employed in the federal government by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some do fieldwork to conduct interviews and collect samples for analyses. Fieldwork may bring epidemiologists into contact with infectious disease, but the risk is minimal because they receive appropriate training and take extensive precautions before interacting with samples or patients.
How to Become an Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists need at least a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Most epidemiologists 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 $74,560 in May 2020.
Job Outlook
Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Epidemiologists are likely to have good job prospects overall.
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.