What Does it Take to Be an Epidemiologist?
Job Description & Duties Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.
A Day in the Life of an Epidemiologist
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Identify and analyze public health issues related to foodborne parasitic diseases and their impact on public policies, scientific studies, or surveys.
- Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, government health officials and others regarding medical applications of sciences, such as physics, biology, and chemistry.
- Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
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Qualities of an Epidemiologist
When polled, Epidemiologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Epidemiologist Jobs
- Public Health Microbiologist
- Communicable Disease Specialist
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Epidemiology Investigator
- Environmental Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 6,100 jobs in the United States for Epidemiologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Epidemiologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 600 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Epidemiologist are South Carolina, Florida, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in Virginia, Oregon, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists make between $42,240 and $112,600 a year.
Epidemiologists who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Epidemiologists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $59,650 |
| Arkansas | $62,890 |
| California | $92,040 |
| Colorado | $60,550 |
| Connecticut | $86,250 |
| District of Columbia | $106,740 |
| Florida | $44,350 |
| Georgia | $64,160 |
| Illinois | $84,810 |
| Indiana | $74,640 |
| Kansas | $63,820 |
| Kentucky | $53,560 |
| Louisiana | $54,620 |
| Maryland | $77,330 |
| Massachusetts | $107,670 |
| Michigan | $72,820 |
| Minnesota | $71,870 |
| Missouri | $61,110 |
| Montana | $66,360 |
| New Jersey | $94,450 |
| New Mexico | $67,130 |
| New York | $91,880 |
| North Carolina | $82,820 |
| Ohio | $69,680 |
| Oklahoma | $68,530 |
| Oregon | $71,470 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,690 |
| Tennessee | $84,560 |
| Texas | $71,320 |
| Virginia | $67,110 |
| Washington | $102,490 |
| West Virginia | $51,910 |
| Wisconsin | $78,250 |
What Tools do Epidemiologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Epidemiologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Data visualization software
- Structured query language SQL
- Database software
- SAS
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- R
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Tableau
- StataCorp Stata
- ESRI ArcView
- ESRI ArcInfo
How do I Become an Epidemiologist?
Individuals working as an Epidemiologist have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become an Epidemiologist?
Where do Epidemiologists Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Epidemiologists employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Epidemiologist may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Epidemiologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Ernst Haeckel via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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