Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists study patterns of disease, disability, and health outcomes in populations to understand what causes them and how to prevent them. They work in government health agencies, research institutions, hospitals, universities, and nonprofit organizations, analyzing data and investigating outbreaks to protect public health.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against epidemiologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
An epidemiologist might spend time analyzing disease surveillance data, designing studies to track health trends, or investigating an outbreak of illness in a community. The work involves reviewing medical records, conducting interviews, running statistical analyses, and writing reports. Some days include meetings with public health officials or presentations of findings to guide prevention strategies.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving complex problems through research and data analysis, and you're driven to understand how things work. You also care about helping others and contributing to your community—this combination of investigative curiosity and social concern is what draws people to epidemiology.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Epidemiologist · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Atlanta, Georgia · $112556–$146325
- Epidemiologist (Technical Project Lead Coordinator) · Food and Drug Administration · Silver Spring, Maryland · $107446–$139684
- Epidemiologist · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Multiple Locations · $90925–$118204
- Supervisory Epidemiologist · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Atlanta, Georgia · $156451–$197200
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $93,870 | $115,890 | $154,840 | 660 |
| District of Columbia | $92,660 | $112,370 | $130,130 | 90 |
| California | $86,310 | $110,760 | $133,970 | 1,480 |
| New Jersey | $84,990 | $109,760 | $121,880 | 290 |
| Washington | $96,760 | $108,240 | $130,970 | 1,010 |
| Minnesota | $85,750 | $104,460 | $112,650 | 310 |
| Illinois | $77,580 | $102,720 | $106,230 | 240 |
| Maryland | $81,910 | $101,830 | $132,610 | 600 |
| Nevada | $83,450 | $99,880 | $118,560 | 80 |
| Tennessee | $82,370 | $97,310 | $111,950 | 220 |
| Oregon | $84,860 | $93,620 | $113,350 | 140 |
| Wisconsin | $85,130 | $88,770 | $96,800 | 90 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Associate - Infection Prevention and Control (a-PIC) — Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
- Certified in Infection Control (CIC) — Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
- Certified in Public Health (CPH) — National Board of Public Health Examiners
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 epidemiologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-1041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.