Emergency Management Directors
Emergency Management Directors plan and coordinate responses to disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and hazardous material spills. They develop emergency plans, provide disaster preparedness training, and direct crisis management activities. These professionals work for government agencies, hospitals, universities, and private organizations across all regions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against emergency management directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing emergency protocols, coordinating with first responders and agency partners, and updating disaster response plans. Directors may conduct training drills, analyze vulnerability assessments, or prepare recovery procedures. During an active emergency, they direct response operations, communicate with stakeholders, and make real-time decisions. Work often includes meetings, report writing, and planning sessions alongside field assessments.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECI. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy organizing systems, following established procedures, and managing structured operations—the Conventional interest. You also have an Enterprising drive to lead teams, make decisions, and direct large-scale initiatives. You perform well handling high-stakes situations and coordinating multiple agencies toward a clear objective.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $141,710 | $184,350 | $195,190 | 150 |
| New Mexico | $97,990 | $145,550 | $172,370 | 170 |
| Washington | $108,740 | $130,780 | $158,160 | 180 |
| California | $105,320 | $129,910 | $163,130 | 1,170 |
| Colorado | $103,630 | $129,660 | $136,930 | — |
| Massachusetts | $97,490 | $123,250 | $159,640 | 220 |
| New Jersey | $96,180 | $120,990 | $124,090 | 490 |
| Connecticut | $87,150 | $113,380 | $143,040 | 180 |
| Oregon | $99,180 | $110,720 | $131,940 | 120 |
| Maryland | $85,890 | $107,200 | $146,810 | 150 |
| Minnesota | $87,980 | $106,880 | $135,200 | 190 |
| Nevada | $74,690 | $105,570 | $151,660 | 60 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities (ARM-P) — The Institutes
- Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP) — International Board for Certification of Safety Managers
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) — International Association of Emergency Managers
- Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) — International Association of Emergency Managers
- Certified Emergency Disaster Professional (CEDP) — International Board for Certification of Safety Managers
- Emergency Medical Services — American Board of Emergency Medicine
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against emergency management directors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-9161.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.