Epidemiologist: Duties, Salary, and How to Become One

Epidemiology studies diseases and injuries, their origins, how they spread, and strategies for containing or stopping them. In this field are epidemiologists, who pair their scientific knowledge with well-honed research abilities to thoroughly investigate disease causes and ensure the public remains healthy and safe. 

Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic shone a light on the most dramatic elements of epidemiology, the truth is that many epidemiologists study a wide range of common diseases and injuries that inflict many of us every day. These areas include influenza, pneumonia, cancer, birth defects, asthma-inducing air pollution, and heavy metal contamination. 

If you’re interested in science or medicine and investigating some of the leading health problems facing humanity today, a career as an epidemiologist could be a good match for you. Discover more about epidemiologists, what the job entails, the job outlook, and how to embark upon this increasingly crucial medical career. 

What is an epidemiologist? 

Epidemiologists are health professionals who identify the causes of a disease, those at risk of contracting it, and how to stop or control its spread. As public health professionals, epidemiologists work to improve health outcomes by using their expertise in biology and medicine to understand the diseases that impact the population. 

As an epidemiologist, you might find employment with government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, local police departments, or the National Institute of Health (NIH), where they research diseases and advise officials on appropriate policy measures. You could also work for universities and research centres, where you would conduct original research and help develop vaccines, as well as in corporate environments. 

Epidemiologist vs virologist

Both epidemiologists and virologists strive to improve public health by studying the diseases and viruses that make us sick, but they do so from different angles.

Epidemiologists study the external ways that diseases and viruses spread within a population, what causes this spread, and how to stop or control it.

Conversely, Virologists focus on viruses themselves, studying how they originate, function, and replicate. They then develop vaccines to combat those viruses.

What does an epidemiologist do? 

As you work to stop the spread of disease, you will perform various essential tasks. Whilst these responsibilities might shift from job to job and case by case, some of the duties you can expect include the following: 

• Plan, conduct, and supervise research into the origins of various diseases. 

• Oversee the work of students supporting research efforts. 

• Collect and analyse data acquired through interviews, surveys, blood samples, and other means of individuals and the larger population.

• Advise health officials and policymakers on disease spread and containment strategies. 

Epidemiologist salary and job outlook 

Epidemiologists command a higher-than-average salary and can find opportunities in various roles, from community health worker to epidemiology statistician to specialist epidemiologist. 

According to Glassdoor’s February 2025 data, epidemiologists earn an average annual salary of ₹12,00,000, which can rise to up to ₹36.0 lakhs with experience [1]. 

Epidemiologist jobs 

You’ll find numerous jobs within epidemiology, from those working in the field to those conducting research in laboratories. Some common jobs you might consider pursuing within the field of epidemiology include: 

• Statistician and surveyor: Creating surveys and questionnaires to gather and collate data.

• Specialist epidemiologist: Working with specific diseases, in infection control, or in pharmaceuticals.

• Academic epidemiologist: Working as a teacher or in research.

How to become an epidemiologist

A career in epidemiology requires a solid educational foundation to investigate diseases and develop strategies to stop their spread effectively. Outlined below is what you’ll need to do to join this impactful field and turn disease control and prevention into your professional career: 

1. Get a bachelor’s degree.

Typically, professionals working within the field of epidemiology start with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, biology, or epidemiology. 

As an undergraduate, you should take courses that equip you with a foundational understanding of the biological sciences, scientific research principles, and the public health issues the field focuses on. 

2. Focus on your skills. 

Epidemiology is fuelled by an investigative impulse to get to the bottom of some of the most pressing public health issues plaguing the world today. As you prepare for a career working alongside highly-trained professionals working to solve pressing public health crises, consider honing some of these critical skills to ensure you do the best possible job:

• Problem-solving

• Communication 

• Collaboration 

• Maths, statistics, and data analysis 

3. Get a master’s degree in public health (or a related field).

To qualify for a job within epidemiology, you usually must possess at least a master’s degree (though some positions, such as at academic institutions, might even require you to hold a PhD).

Prepare for your career in the field by attending a master’s degree programme in public health, epidemiology, or a related scientific field. 

Explore epidemiology with Coursera 

To join the ranks of epidemiologist, you need to gain the required education and training. As you’re exploring a future career in epidemiology, you might consider taking a cost-effective online specialisation or degree through Coursera. 

Through Johns Hopkins Epidemiology in Public Health Practice Specialisation, you'll learn to use the core epidemiologic toolset to measure the health of populations, assess interventions, collect and analyse data, and investigate outbreaks and epidemics.

Imperial College London’s Epidemiology for Public Health Specialisation will equip you with the skills that will allow you to correctly interpret epidemiological research, consider its limitations, and design your studies.