Epidemiologist

What does an epidemiologist do? – Tasks and work environment

An epidemiologist works to map, analyze, and prevent the spread of diseases in society. Tasks include collecting and interpreting health data, investigating transmission pathways, and advising authorities and healthcare professionals during outbreaks of infectious diseases. Epidemiologists are often employed by government agencies, regions, universities, or international organizations. The work environment is typically office-based, but field studies and collaboration with other experts are common. The profession requires precision, analytical skills, and a strong societal commitment.

Salary development over time

The salary for epidemiologists has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 92 200 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 6.7%. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 93 600 SEK, a further increase of 1.5% from the previous year. This positive trend can mainly be explained by increased demand for specialist competence in infectious disease control and public health, especially after the pandemic's impact on society. The job market for epidemiologists has become more competitive, which has also driven up salary levels. A high level of education and specialization is often crucial to reach the higher salary ranges within the profession.

Epidemiologist salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (men), 91,200 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (men), 101,500 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 563 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK/month compared to 94 300 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and qualifications

To work as an epidemiologist, a solid academic background in medicine, public health, or biostatistics is required. Many epidemiologists hold a doctoral degree or a master's degree in public health with an epidemiological focus. The education is often combined with internships or research projects, and further training in statistics or infectious disease control is common.

• Formal degree: Master's in public health, medicine (5 years or more)
• Certifications: Courses in epidemiology, statistics, and infectious disease control
• Internship/Trainee: Recommended within research projects or government agencies
• Prerequisites: Basic education in medicine, biology, or statistics
• Tips for choosing: Specialization in infectious diseases or global health increases competitiveness

Common benefits and compensations

Epidemiologists are often offered benefits such as extra vacation, generous pension contributions, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Access to conferences and international collaborations is common, especially within the government and academic sectors. Working hours are usually flexible, and employers encourage continuous further education.

Competition and challenges

The competition for epidemiologist positions is relatively high, especially within the most attractive research environments and international organizations. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported, indicating a gap between demanded and available competence. Deep subject knowledge and the ability to collaborate across disciplines are required, which can be challenging for many. Workload can be high at times, particularly during acute outbreaks. Staying updated with the latest research and quickly analyzing complex data are crucial for success in the role.

Tips for aspiring epidemiologists

To succeed as an epidemiologist, it is good to combine analytical precision with a genuine interest in public health. Curiosity and a desire to understand the relationships between different factors facilitate mapping complex transmission chains. Good collaboration skills are essential, as the work often occurs in interdisciplinary teams and in cooperation with authorities and international actors. It is recommended to build a strong foundation in statistics and data analysis, as these tools are used daily. The ability to communicate clearly and pedagogically makes it easier to convey important research results to decision-makers and the public. Being solution-oriented and stress-resistant is also important, especially when managing outbreaks or crisis situations. Finally, long-term thinking and continuous learning are crucial for development within the profession and maintaining relevance in the job market.

Key facts about Epidemiologists

• Education level: Master's degree or higher in public health/medicine
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of fieldwork
• Typical employment: Government or regional employment, often project-based
• Demand: Great opportunities for work nationally and internationally
• Special skills: Statistics, infectious disease control, data analysis

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an epidemiologist can advance to leadership roles within research, government agencies, or international organizations. Common career paths include positions as research leaders, experts in infectious disease control, or advisors at major authorities such as the Public Health Agency. Projections from the Employment Service indicate that opportunities within specialist medical careers, including epidemiologists, are large nationally. Demand is expected to increase further over the next five years, driven by societal development and increased focus on public health. The recruitment situation is described as paradoxical, with both high demand and some difficulties in finding the right competence. For those seeking the profession, there are good future prospects and many available positions; currently, there are 375 job openings in the field.

Frequently asked questions about Epidemiologists

• What does an Epidemiologist earn?
  - The average salary for an epidemiologist is 93 600 SEK per month. The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest is 84,600 SEK.
• How does one become an Epidemiologist?
  - A master's degree in public health, medicine, or biostatistics is required, often supplemented with courses in epidemiology and statistics.
• Which workplaces employ Epidemiologists?
  - Common employers include government agencies, regions, universities, and international organizations such as WHO.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand for epidemiologists is expected to increase over the next five years, with great opportunities for work both nationally and internationally.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical ability, willingness to collaborate, communication skills, and stress tolerance are important qualities for an epidemiologist.
• What does an Epidemiologist do on a daily basis?
  - Responsibilities include analyzing health data, investigating transmission routes, and advising on preventive measures.