How to Become an Epidemiologist: Career Path, Education & Salary

In an era of global pandemics, opioid crises, and rising chronic disease rates⁵, the role of an epidemiologist has never been more urgent or more inspiring. When COVID-19 struck, it was epidemiologists who raced to trace infections, build models, and guide public health responses.

As of 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a projected 19% growth in epidemiology jobs through 2033, which is much faster than the average job growth rate¹. Why? Because every community, from rural towns to international cities, needs experts who can investigate how diseases spread, who they affect, and how we can prevent future outbreaks.

Epidemiology is often called the “detective work” of public health². It combines rigorous scientific research with a passion for protecting populations from harm. Whether it’s studying cancer clusters or analyzing vaccine effectiveness, epidemiologists help shape policies and interventions that save lives.

This guide will walk you through how to become an epidemiologist, from degree requirements to career options, so you can decide if this purpose-driven path is the right fit for your future.

Becoming an epidemiologist requires a strong academic foundation in both science and public health. While there are multiple pathways into the field, most begin with a relevant undergraduate degree and continue through graduate-level training.

Epidemiologists need more than just academic credentials; they must also possess a blend of technical proficiency and interpersonal skills to navigate the complex world of public health.

Epidemiology is not only a rewarding career in terms of impact; it also offers strong job security and competitive compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for epidemiologists is approximately $83,980³. However, salaries vary significantly by employer type and geographic region.

Epidemiologists working in the pharmaceutical and medical sector often earn the highest salaries, followed by those in scientific research and government⁴. Academic and nonprofit sectors may offer lower starting pay but can provide meaningful opportunities for research and advocacy⁴. Professionals in states such as California, Washington, and Massachusetts often earn more due to the concentration of public health institutions and higher cost of living⁴.

Job Outlook

The demand for epidemiologists is expected to grow 19% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the national average³. Emerging threats, such as pandemics, climate-related illnesses, and global health crises, continue to elevate the need for skilled disease investigators.

Epidemiologists also play crucial roles in public health emergencies, contributing to preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, making this a career path known for both stability and societal relevance.

Epidemiologists work in a wide array of settings, from federal agencies like the CDC, National Institute of Health (NIH), and state health departments to global health leaders such as the WHO and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

Outside government, many pursue careers in academia, where they teach and conduct research, or join pharmaceutical companies in roles focused on clinical trials and drug safety. Others work in healthcare analytics, environmental health, or climate-related disease research, fields rapidly growing in importance.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international aid agencies also employ epidemiologists to manage disease surveillance, especially in low-resource or crisis-affected regions. The private sector, including consulting firms and biotech companies, increasingly seeks professionals skilled in data-driven public health strategy.

Career paths often follow a growth trajectory: Analyst → Epidemiologist → Senior Epidemiologist → Director of Surveillance.

Common job titles include Field Investigator, Public Health Analyst, Biostatistician, and Infection Prevention Specialist.