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

EpidemiologistInfection Control Practitioner (ICP)Nurse EpidemiologistResearch Epidemiologist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate determinants and distribution of disease, disability, and health outcomes in public health and clinical settings, integrating biological, social, and environmental factors.
  • KnowledgeDesign prevention and control strategies for infectious and chronic diseases collaborating with interdisciplinary public health teams and considering regulatory requirements.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex epidemiological findings and health surveillance data for diverse stakeholders including policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
  • KnowledgeFormulate research protocols and epidemiological study designs addressing critical population health questions while ensuring ethical standards and scientific rigor.
  • KnowledgeApply advanced statistical software and geographic information systems using SAS, R, Python, SPSS, and ArcGIS to conduct spatial and temporal disease analysis.
  • KnowledgeAssess outbreak investigations and emerging health threats under time-sensitive conditions, coordinating with public health agencies and medical teams.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize scientific literature and emerging research findings continuously updating knowledge of disease mechanisms, treatment protocols, and public health best practices.
  • MindsetAdvocate evidence-based public health policies and disease prevention programs communicating with governmental agencies, community leaders, and the public to influence health outcomes.
  • MindsetIntegrate cultural competence and social determinants of health into epidemiological practice when engaging diverse populations and addressing health disparities.
  • KnowledgeDevelop health surveillance systems and data collection protocols working with electronic databases and ensuring compliance with public health standards.
  • MindsetSupport interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge dissemination through training, consultation, and mentoring of public health professionals and community partners.
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

MetricU.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 softwareFacebookIBM SPSS StatisticsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordPythonRSASStructured query language SQLTableau

Technology Skills

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC WONDERCenters for Disease Control and Prevention Epi InfoCircle Systems Stat/TransferCytel EgretData mining softwareData visualization softwareDatabase softwareDisease Mapping and Analysis Program DMAP

Tools & Equipment

Desktop computersLaptop computersPersonal computers