Statistician
Design studies and analyze data to answer questions in health, business and science.
- $105,650
- 2 years after a bachelor’s
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Epidemiologist
Also called: Public Health Epidemiologist · Infectious Disease Epidemiologist · Disease Investigator · Field Epidemiologist
What epidemiologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an epidemiologist do?
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans, seeking to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes. The median pay is $87,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +18.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$87,220$41.93/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+18.7%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationMaster's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs12,800Employment, 2025
What epidemiologists do
Epidemiologists are disease detectives. They track outbreaks, analyze health data, design studies, find risk factors, and advise public health leaders on prevention. Most work for health departments, hospitals, universities and the CDC.
A master’s degree in public health or epidemiology is typical. BLS projects much faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Track disease data
- Investigate outbreaks
- Design studies
- Analyze data
- Write reports
- Advise leaders
- Educate the public
Work environment and schedule
Epidemiologists work in health department offices, hospitals, labs and in the field.
Schedule: Full time, with surges during outbreaks.
A day in the life
- Review surveillance data.
- Investigate a foodborne cluster.
- Interview a patient.
- Analyze case data in R.
See a full day in the life of an epidemiologist →
Epidemiologist salary
Half of epidemiologists earned more than $87,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $61,270 for the lowest 10% to $138,800 for the top 10%.
Full epidemiologist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an epidemiologist
- Earn a bachelor’s
- Earn an MPH
- Do a practicum
- Get hired
- Advance
A master’s degree in public health (MPH) or epidemiology is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an epidemiologist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Epidemiologic methods
- Biostatistics
- Outbreak investigation
- Surveillance
- Data analysis
People skills
- Curiosity
- Communication
- Calm under pressure
- Collaboration
All epidemiologist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Protect communities
- Data and fieldwork
- Public sector benefits
Cons
- Outbreak surges
- Public scrutiny
- Government pay limits
- Grad degree needed
Certifications and licenses
- CPH: Certified in Public Health.
- CIC: Infection control credential.
- CDC EIS: Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship.
- Ph.D. or DrPH: For research.
Career path
- Epidemiologist I: Entry.
- Epidemiologist: Investigate.
- Senior Epidemiologist: Lead.
- State Epidemiologist: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Epidemiologist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as investigate a foodborne outbreak and build an epidemic curve, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Epidemiologist vs. Statistician · Epidemiologist vs. Medical Scientist · Epidemiologist vs. Microbiologist · Epidemiologist vs. Health Educator
Epidemiologist FAQ
Do epidemiologists need a master’s?
Usually an MPH or MS.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
Where do they work?
Health departments, hospitals, universities and the CDC.
How much does an epidemiologist make?
The median annual wage for epidemiologists was $87,220 ($41.93 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $61,270 and the highest 10% earned more than $138,800.
How long does it take to become an epidemiologist?
Most people need about 2 years after a bachelor’s of training. A master’s degree in public health (MPH) or epidemiology is typical.
Do you need a degree to be an epidemiologist?
Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education.
More epidemiologist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-1041 (Epidemiologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Epidemiologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.