Epidemiologist
Also known as: epidemiology science researcher, epidemiology research scientist, epidemiology scientist, epidaemiologist, epidemiology research analyst, epidemiology researcher
About this occupation
Epidemiologists centre their research on origin and causes for illness eruption in humans. They determine the way in which diseases are spread out and propose risk preventive measures to health policy organisms.
A specialisation of biologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- perform scientific research
- epidemiology
- preventive medicine
- take disease prevention measures
- prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases in the community
- communicable diseases
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- gather experimental data
- project management
- public health
- apply scientific methods
- biometrics
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Epidemiologists (O*NET 19-1041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
- Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
- Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.
- Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Social, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Active Listening, Writing
US median pay: US$87,220 a year (2025), 12,090 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsExtremely important (4.5)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.5)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyImportant (3.3)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Geneticists
- Physicians, Pathologists
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Microbiologists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Clinical Neuropsychologists
- Neuropsychologists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.