25 Best States For Epidemiologists

Let’s scour the nation and then wash our hands well as we take a look at the best states for epidemiologists.

This summer I was at a wedding where I spoke to a real-life epidemiologist. She explained to me the way they track different illnesses in order to gain more information about these diseases. I wish I could have been as cool, but I believe I talked to her about New York City living and why bodegas are so critically important to my existence. Certainly it was an information exchange; I just wouldn’t necessarily say that the information was of equal value–she may have wanted to check the exchange rate.

If you’ve always wanted to save the world or be a superhero when you were a kid, being an epidemiologist could be a great profession for you. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), epidemiologists are public health officials who are responsible for investigating patterns of diseases and injuries in/on/around humans.  It’s a lot more boring that the movie Outbreak in some ways, yet a lot more interesting too.

Their job description sounds overwhelming, for the responsibility they have is so huge–plus they have to sometimes wear those white spacesuits to protect them from germs and/or cooties. Those things look like they get hot. The complex nature of being an epidemiologist requires professionals to have a Master’s Degree before practicing. A doctoral degree in Medicine is also preferred by the best employers in the industry.

In school, aspiring epidemiologists take classes in biology, physical science, statistics, and math. To be a successful epidemiologist, one has to have excellent communication and analytical skills. Keen attention to detail is also required, and they are also expected to have above average math skills. If, like me, you took Surfaces and Knots to fulfill your math requirement–you’re not who they’re looking for. Calculations and analysis are part of their daily job. It is safe to say that to be a great epidemiologist, one must be patient, hardworking, and really passionate about the job. They usually work long hours, more especially during national emergencies that are related to diseases and other outbreaks.

In a nutshell, epidemiologists’ jobs consist of collecting and analyzing data in relation to diseases’ investigation. They are considered responsible for planning and directing studies of public health problems, communicating their findings to the public, and mostly, researching. They are usually under-appreciated because they let their findings and statistics do the talking. We owe to them many of medicine’s advancements, in terms of disease prevention.

They are tasked to research using demographic data, for example, to determine people at high-risk for a particular disease. Most epidemiologists work for the government health unit, while there are also some employed by research companies. They usually research on chronic diseases, maternal health, injuries, oral health, and even behavioral epidemiology.

They hold a major responsibility in public health. They are very important to the government so much so that you might be wondering if they are paid enough for what they do. According to BLS, epidemiologists are paid an annual median wage of $69,450. The highest wages paid to these professionals amounts to a whopping $114,550, while the lowest wages were at $46,130. The average wages look pretty fair for the job they do, although of course, the highest salaries would always attract them more to love their job and work even harder.

The projected job growth for this occupation is at 6%, which is just around the average for most jobs. This just means epidemiologists are bound to have a great future in terms of employment and opportunities.

Epidemiologists usually derive their data from surgeons, too. Do you think any of the 25 Best States for Surgeons also make it to this list?

In looking for the best states for epidemiologists, it is very important that the employment rate is good. As we know epidemiologists work with the government, so the demand is not always high. Apart from that, we also had to average each state’s employment rates with their cost of living rates and annual median wages. The average of the three points of criteria determined each ranking.

To arrive at the following results, we sourced the employment rates and annual median wages from BLS, while data pertaining to the cost of living were from Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

To learn more about the best states for epidemiologists, read on.

25. Pennsylvania

Annual median wage: $56,470

Cost of living: 102.8

Employment: 120

Pennsylvania’s wages almost always go past the national average for most occupations, if not all. They are also known to have cost of living rates that are mostly priced fair. This state had its share of epidemics and chronic diseases, mostly viral infections, as once published in an article by Eco Watch. There might not be so many jobs available, but the wages they offer look really enticing, don’t they? Pennsylvania’s annual salaries do not make it to the average, although they still look great after you factor in their living expenses.

24. Nebraska

Annual median wage: $52,000

Cost of living: 91.3

Employment: 30

You might be wondering how Nebraska was able to sneak into this list when its employment rates do not even look quite impressive. This state’s claim to the list is its ideal cost of living rates. Your basic needs cost to nothing, and even the smallest wages could possibly sustain a decent life in Nebraska. If you’re lucky enough to score an epidemiologist job here, you would surely be able to enjoy your wages than when you’re in more expensive states.

23. Iowa

Annual median wage: $54,110

Cost of living: 91.7

Employment: 30

Like Nebraska, Iowa is part of the best states for epidemiologists because of how low their cost of living rates are. Rent, food, and other basic needs are usually on the cheaper side of the spectrum, so you do not have to worry so much about budgeting. Wages for these professionals in Iowa do not reach the national average, but people still move to Iowa in hopes of more affordable living and getting to enjoy wages even more.

22. Kentucky

Annual median wage: $41,790

Cost of living: 90.8

Employment: 70

While most of the states we have seen on this list have higher wages than Kentucky’s, we all can see how its employment rates are a bit higher than theirs. Higher employment rates simply mean the state is more friendly with these types of jobs. Also, Kentucky is one of the cheapest states to live in America. That fact basically means no matter how low your wages could be, you can very well sustain a living here.

21. Virginia

Annual median wage: $57,270

Cost of living: 100.2

Employment: 90

Virginia sure did not meet the national average for both its wages and cost of living rates, but both points of criteria hang tight near the average. The salaries they have for epidemiologists might be lower than the average, but their living expenses that are fairly priced sure make them a great place to live. Virginia also has a tad better employment rates than most American states, making them deserve this place in the list.

20. Connecticut

Annual median wage: $69,500

Cost of living: 130.7

Employment: 120

Connecticut is known in America as a pretty expensive state, so it is no wonder they have really expensive cost of living rates on file. Rents and mortgage rates, as well as food and other basic needs tend to be really pricey on this side of the country. The good thing about Connecticut is how well they pay their workers. They have wages for epidemiologists that are around the average, and really impressive employment rates as well. Cost of living aside, this state sure is among the best ones for you.

19. Massachusetts

Annual median wage: $62,270

Cost of living: 134.7

Employment: 280

Massachusetts ranks fifth when it comes to America’s employment rates for epidemiologists, so there is no doubt it is among the best states for epidemiologists. This state also enjoys wages higher than most places in the country, although it might be best if you really try hard to budget what you earn. Some sacrifices might have to be made, but because there are a plenty of jobs for you in here, it looks well worth it.

18. Oklahoma

Annual median wage: $46,710

Cost of living: 88.6

Employment: 60

Oklahoma lures migrants to its quaint state because of how cheap it is to live there. They have some of the cheapest living expenses in America and is not really far behind other states when it comes to economy and development. Their wages almost never make it past the average. In this case, it does not even reach the national average. But fret not, its wages make perfect sense once you balance it with its cost of living rates. Now, let’s see what’s next on our list of best states for epidemiologists.

17. Missouri

Annual median wage: $47,960

Cost of living: 90.8

Employment: 90

No wonder Missouri’s population keeps growing every year, they have among the most ideal cost of living rates in the country. Food and rents would not slash as much from your hard-earned money. Aside from cheaper living expenses, this state also has fair employment rates for epidemiologists. You might not end up earning so much when you get a job here, but in all practical sense, you’ll get to enjoy your salary more.

16. Alabama

Annual median wage: $55,300

Cost of living: 91.2

Employment: 40

If you look closely on how much epidemiologists earn in Alabama, you’d most likely be surprised. Alabama is, in many ways, like Missouri. Both states have cheaper living expenses than most places in the country, that you can expect them not to pay their workers so much. However, Alabama seems to have a special place in its state for epidemiologists. Just a few notches away from the average when it comes to wages and cost of living rates that stay at the bottom of the ladder, this sure looks like the balance we’re looking for.

15. Minnesota

Annual median wage: $56,030

Cost of living: 101.1

Employment: 200

Minnesota has really impressive employment rates for epidemiologists, more especially when you take the first few states we have talked about in consideration. They have more job opportunities and also have wages nearer to the national average. Their living expenses sure are not as affordable as Alabama and Missouri, but it is not very far from the average, so all is well.

14. Arkansas

Annual median wage: $49,940

Cost of living: 88.5

Employment: 40

Even if Arkansas’ wages and employment rates do not impress much, their cost of living would surely do. Arkansas has always been famous for being a great place to get a job in. They have really cheap living expenses–so cheap that no matter how small your salary is, you can surely afford a decent place to live in. Wouldn’t it be nice to work where you can get the most out of what you worked hard for?

13. Ohio

Annual median wage: $47,970

Cost of living: 93

Employment: 160

From the looks of it, Ohio got to this list of best states for epidemiologists mainly because of its employment rates for epidemiologists. They enjoy great occupational flow, and it does not look like the demand for them would dwindle any time soon. Apart from that, they also have really good cost of living rates. America has not too many cheap states to live in, so a state like Ohio is always a great choice to live in and work at.

12. Maryland

Annual median wage: $62,650

Cost of living: 125

Employment: 340

Maryland’s demand for epidemiologists is so evident in its impressively high employment rates for these professionals. This state is known as one of the most expensive ones to live in America, but people still try to sustain a living here because of the many opportunities. Maryland is also popular for paying their workers better than the others, and that is true in this context as well. Living expenses might be quite pricey, but their employment rates make the state still worth a try.

11. New Jersey

Annual median wage: $84,080

Cost of living: 121

Employment: 120

New Jersey holds the record for paying the highest wages for our hardworking epidemiologists. That does not surprise at all, since they have always paid their workers higher than the national average. Honestly, when you realize how much you have to spend on your living expenses in here, you’d think those wages are not even high, they’re just right. In this case, they also have a fairly good employment rate.

10. California

Annual median wage: $66,720

Cost of living: 134.8

Employment: 700

Like in other occupations, California, next on our list of best states for epidemiologists has the highest employment rates for epidemiologists. It could be because of their high population and many hospitals, which would mean the state is in dire need of these professionals. They pay them well, but would most probably not keep them from struggling to really sustain a decent living in the Golden State. Still, when people look for jobs, employment rates most likely seal the deal. In this case, it looks like a done deal.

9. Colorado

Annual median wage: $57,020

Cost of living: 102.1

Employment: 290

Number nine on our list of best states for epidemiologists is Colorado that is a fast developing state with tons of up and coming cities that have been gaining much attention lately. No wonder they have really great employment rates for epidemiologists, as well as for other professionals. They pay their workers more than other states in America do, which all the more lures more and more people to settle down in here. Their cost of living rates do not really hurt our budget so much, do they?

8. Washington

Annual median wage: $66,750

Cost of living: 107.1

Employment: 240

Washington’s salary offers for epidemiologists are just a few dollars shy from reaching the national average. Even so, the future looks bright for these professionals in this state. While living expenses here are not necessarily cheap, they do not break the bank either so the balance is still there. Their employment rates look pretty neat, too.

7. Georgia

Annual median wage: $50,380

Cost of living: 91.4

Employment: 260

Georgia is one of the few states in America having an affordable cost of living and it’s in the 7th spot on our list of best states for epidemiologists. Living in Georgia must be the ideal setting for most people since they pay quite well when you factor in how much you actually get to spend there. They also have impressive employment rates not only for epidemiologists but also for other jobs in the state. The nice weather they have all year don’t hurt either.

6. North Carolina

Annual median wage: $59,730

Cost of living: 94.2

Employment: 130

If you think states with cheap living expenses naturally pay their workers less than other expensive states, look at North Carolina. Even when their wages for epidemiologists do not reach the average, it sure looks like it will be worth a lot more in a state that does not charge too much for food and housing. They also have great employment rates for these professionals, so what need is there to look elsewhere?

5. Illinois

Annual median wage: $61,660

Cost of living: 95.5

Employment: 160

We are continuing our list of best states for epidemiologists with Illinois that has high wages for these professionals, which looks even better when you pair it with the state’s cost of living rates. Not only do epidemiologists get to enjoy high wages, they can most definitely be able to save a huge chunk of it since living expenses tend to be cheap there. As if that isn’t enough to make Illinois a great state, they have employment rates that look better than most states’, too.

4.  Texas

Annual median wage: $51,810

Cost of living: 90.7

Employment: 420

Texas has been very consistent in having really good employment rates for various types of occupations, making it a strong contender on many best states list. This state offers a fairly average wage for epidemiologists, but sets itself apart from other states through their cost of living rates.

3. Michigan

Annual median wage: $58,930

Cost of living: 88.2

Employment: 120

Michigan, that ranked 3rd on our list of best states for epidemiologists proves that low wages do not always mean you shouldn’t consider a state for a job. It ranks this high on the best states for epidemiologists mainly because of how affordable it is to live here. The state has wages lower than the average, but has employment rates that look too good to be ignored.

2. Tennessee

Annual median wage: $64,180

Cost of living: 89.8

Employment: 100

Wages and expenses seem to be greatly balanced in Tennessee, next on our list of best states for epidemiologists. This state is popular for its great weather and cheap living expenses, which is also proven well by their growing population. They also have really good employment rates not only for epidemiologists but for other professionals as well. What are you still waiting for before moving there?

1. Indiana

Annual median wage: $66,570

Cost of living: 87.9

Employment: 70

The number one on our list of best states for epidemiologists is Indiana that is the second most affordable state in America and ranked sixth in the states that pay the highest wages for epidemiologists. The employment rates they have do not impress so much, but when you found a state which has the perfect balance between what you can earn and what you have to spend on a daily basis, would you really just let that opportunity go?

Now, being an epidemiologist is no easy job. This is why you should be careful in choosing the state you’ll get a job in. Find a state that would give you a job and pay you well, somewhere you don’t have to skip meals to afford a nice place to rest in. We’re so sure you’ll find one like that in the best states for epidemiologists.