Epizootologist

What does an epizootologist do? – Tasks and work environment

An epizootologist works to identify, monitor, and manage infectious animal diseases that can significantly impact animal health, society, and sometimes human health. Tasks include investigations during outbreaks of epizootic diseases, advising authorities and farmers, and planning infection control measures. Epizootologists are often employed by government agencies, universities, or veterinary laboratories and work both in the field and in laboratory settings. The work environment can vary from office work to responding to urgent disease outbreaks, requiring flexibility and stress resilience.

Salary development over time

The salary for an epizootologist has shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 48,500 SEK per month, which increased to 50 300 SEK in 2023 and has now risen to 53 000 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a salary increase of approximately 9.3% over three years. This development reflects increased demand for specialized veterinary expertise, especially in infection control and animal health work, where epizootologists play a central role. The market for advanced animal health expertise has strengthened due to global challenges such as zoonoses and antibiotic resistance, likely contributing to rising salary levels. The recent years’ salary increases can also be linked to higher demands for education and experience within the profession.

Epizootologist salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 53 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 45,300 SEK/month (men), 48,900 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 55,700 SEK/month (men), 54,400 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 319 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 95% of what men do (52 500 SEK/month vs. 55 300 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as an epizootologist, a veterinary degree is required, followed by additional training or experience in epizootology, infection control, or animal health. It is common to supplement with courses in microbiology, epidemiology, and public administration. Practical experience in investigations and working with infectious animal diseases is highly meritorious.

• Veterinary degree: 5.5 years (university)
• Further training: Courses in epizootology, epidemiology, or infection control
• Practical experience: Fieldwork and laboratory internships recommended
• Certifications: Possibility for specialist competence in infection control
• Prerequisites: Natural science high school education

Common benefits and compensations

Epizootologists are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, further training, occupational pension, and flexible working hours. In some cases, compensation for on-call work or standby duties is also provided, especially during urgent infection control measures.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an epizootologist is relatively low due to the profession’s specialized focus and high educational requirements. Challenges often include quickly managing complex disease outbreaks and making decisions under time pressure. The work can be psychologically demanding, especially during large epizootic outbreaks where risks to animal welfare and societal impact are high. Another dilemma is that many in the field work part-time, which can affect access to full-time employment and create a paradoxical recruitment situation. Skill shortages in certain regions may also lead to periods of high workload.

Tips for aspiring epizootologists

To succeed as an epizootologist, a genuine interest in animal health and infection control is important, along with being meticulous and analytical. It’s wise to focus early on science subjects and take extra courses in biology or chemistry during high school. Strong communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and authorities, while stress resilience and problem-solving abilities are crucial during urgent interventions. Building networks within veterinary circles and participating in internships or field studies provide valuable experience. Flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to new situations are also key qualities. Continuously updating oneself on new research findings and infection control methods is advantageous for long-term success.

Key facts about Epizootologist

• Education level: Veterinary degree, often with further training
• Work environment: Varies between office, laboratory, and field
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationally
• Common employment: Government or public sector
• Special skills: Infection control, epidemiology, investigation work

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an epizootologist, opportunities open for specialist roles within authorities, leadership positions in infection control, or research positions at universities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s occupational forecast for veterinarians, job prospects are large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, the profession is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation, as many work part-time, which can influence the availability of full-time positions. The current number of job openings in the veterinary sector is 375, indicating a stable job market. For those wishing to advance their careers, there are also opportunities to work internationally, e.g., within WHO or FAO, or to take responsibility for larger preparedness efforts against animal epidemics.

Frequently asked questions about Epizootologist

• What is the average salary of an epizootologist?
  - An epizootologist has an average salary of 53 000 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become an epizootologist?
  - The profession requires a veterinary degree (5.5 years) plus further training in epizootology or infection control.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the job responsibilities of an epizootologist?
  - Tasks include investigating animal diseases, working on infection control, and advising authorities.
• What are the future prospects for epizootologists?
  - Job opportunities are considered large, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for epizootologists?
  - The highest salary is 55,700 SEK (men) and 54,400 SEK (women). The lowest salary is 45,300 SEK (men) and 48,900 SEK (women).
• What benefits are common for epizootologists?
  - Common benefits include wellness allowances, extra vacation days, occupational pension, and opportunities for further training.