Epidemiologists
Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.
Also called: Chronic Disease Epidemiologist, Clinical Epidemiologist, Clinical Lab Scientist (Clinical Laboratory Scientist), Clinical Researcher, Communicable Diseases Specialist, Environmental Epidemiologist
Median pay
$87,220
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$61,270 – $138,800
People employed
12,090
Holland code
ISC
Investigative · Social · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Epidemiologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (41 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What epidemiologists do
- 01Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
- 02Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
- 03Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- 04Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.
- 05Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.
- 06Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Science
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from epidemiologists
- Clinical Nurse Specialists82% · group pay
- Health Informatics Specialists82% · group pay
- Biostatisticians81% · group pay
- Genetic Counselors81% · +15%
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary77% · +23%
Change into epidemiologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Preventive Medicine Physicians89% · $265,930
- Biostatisticians85% · $105,650
- Health Informatics Specialists82% · $105,850
- Clinical Neuropsychologists78% · $110,840
- Allergists and Immunologists77% · $265,930
Majors that lead here
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology
- Infectious Disease and Global Health
- Epidemiology
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Medical Science/Scientist
- Environmental Health
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.