Epidemiologists
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.
SOC: 19-1041.00
Common Job Titles
- Epidemiologist
- Infection Control Practitioner (ICP)
- Nurse Epidemiologist
- Research Epidemiologist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeAnalyze disease patterns and health outcome data using statistical methods and epidemiological models across diverse populations, applying mathematics and biology knowledge to complex datasets.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate determinants and distribution of disease, disability, and health outcomes in public health and clinical settings, integrating biological, social, and environmental factors.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign prevention and control strategies for infectious and chronic diseases collaborating with interdisciplinary public health teams and considering regulatory requirements.Advanced
- KnowledgeInterpret complex epidemiological findings and health surveillance data for diverse stakeholders including policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate research protocols and epidemiological study designs addressing critical population health questions while ensuring ethical standards and scientific rigor.Advanced
- KnowledgeApply advanced statistical software and geographic information systems using SAS, R, Python, SPSS, and ArcGIS to conduct spatial and temporal disease analysis.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess outbreak investigations and emerging health threats under time-sensitive conditions, coordinating with public health agencies and medical teams.Proficient
- KnowledgeSynthesize scientific literature and emerging research findings continuously updating knowledge of disease mechanisms, treatment protocols, and public health best practices.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate evidence-based public health policies and disease prevention programs communicating with governmental agencies, community leaders, and the public to influence health outcomes.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate cultural competence and social determinants of health into epidemiological practice when engaging diverse populations and addressing health disparities.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop health surveillance systems and data collection protocols working with electronic databases and ensuring compliance with public health standards.Proficient
- MindsetSupport interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge dissemination through training, consultation, and mentoring of public health professionals and community partners.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Epidemiologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
11,460
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $56,950. 25th percentile: U.S. $68,040. 50th percentile: U.S. $83,980. 75th percentile: U.S. $106,040. 90th percentile: U.S. $134,860. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $56,950 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $134,860 |
| Workers on average earn | $94,160 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mathematics4.5/5
- Biology4.3/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.0/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Python
- R
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
- Tableau
Technology Skills
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC WONDER
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epi Info
- Circle Systems Stat/Transfer
- Cytel Egret
- Data mining software
- Data visualization software
- Database software
- Disease Mapping and Analysis Program DMAP
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers