Epidemiologists
SOC Code: 19-1041
Epidemiologists carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $83,980 and +16.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Epidemiologists (SOC 19-1041) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 12,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +16.2% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $83,980, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Epidemiologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
- 2. Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
- 3. Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
- 4. Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.
- 5. Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.
- 6. Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- 7. Provide expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis.
- 8. Write articles for publication in professional journals.
- 9. Identify and analyze public health issues related to foodborne parasitic diseases and their impact on public policies, scientific studies, or surveys.
- 10. Write grant applications to fund epidemiologic research.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Science
- Active Learning
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Communications and Media
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Epidemiologists?
Epidemiologists has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Epidemiologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Epidemiologists is projected to grow by 16.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Epidemiologists?
Key skills for Epidemiologists include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Epidemiologists earn?
The median annual wage for Epidemiologists is $83,980, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Epidemiologists?
The typical entry-level education for Epidemiologists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Epidemiologists?
Epidemiologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).