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Epidemiologist vs data analyst

The differences between epidemiologists and data analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an epidemiologist and a data analyst. Additionally, a data analyst has an average salary of $74,342, which is higher than the $59,329 average annual salary of an epidemiologist.

The top three skills for an epidemiologist include SAS, data analysis and statistical analysis. The most important skills for a data analyst are data analysis, python, and power bi.

Epidemiologist vs data analyst overview

EpidemiologistData Analyst
Yearly salary$59,329$74,342
Hourly rate$28.52$35.74
Growth rate26%11%
Number of jobs485167,520
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeMaster's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age4144
Years of experience44

What does an epidemiologist do?

An epidemiologist specializes in studying and investigating different diseases, including its causes and effects on the human body. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering samples and subjecting them to various experiments and scientific procedures, traveling to different areas to conduct observations and in-depth analysis, maintaining extensive records, coordinating with other scientists and experts, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. Furthermore, as an epidemiologist, it is vital to utilize expertise by creating policies for a healthy and safe environment for everyone.

What does a data analyst do?

Data analysts are responsible for interpreting the company's statistics and providing sound recommendations to the organization. They manage the organization's data sets, usually related to market performance, finance, or human resources. They are in charge of studying the available data, spotting trends, interpreting what the data and the trends mean, and recommending suggestions that will help the organization perform better. Their recommendations should also be relevant and backed up with strong analyses. Data analysts are expected to have a good grasp of the current market trends in the industry.

Epidemiologist vs data analyst salary

Epidemiologists and data analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

EpidemiologistData Analyst
Average salary$59,329$74,342
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $125,000Between $53,000 And $103,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCRichmond, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyExxon MobilThe Citadel
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between epidemiologist and data analyst education

There are a few differences between an epidemiologist and a data analyst in terms of educational background:

EpidemiologistData Analyst
Most common degreeMaster's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorEcology, Population Biology, And EpidemiologyBusiness
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNorthwestern University

Epidemiologist vs data analyst demographics

Here are the differences between epidemiologists' and data analysts' demographics:

EpidemiologistData Analyst
Average age4144
Gender ratioMale, 35.8% Female, 64.2%Male, 50.2% Female, 49.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 14.5% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%12%

Differences between epidemiologist and data analyst duties and responsibilities

Epidemiologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, etc.
  • Used SQL to query health encounters collect and maintain in a data warehouse.
  • Analyze health outcomes using risk ratios, regression models and descriptive statistics in SPSS.
  • Experience with SQL programming, web applications with query, analytics and dashboard features.
  • Recruit NYC businesses to join the program and train worksite coordinators on approaches to developing an onsite wellness program.
  • Serve as the lead chronic disease epidemiologist supporting the state tumor registry and the breast and cervical cancer early detection program.
  • Show more

Data analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage patient s data in UNIX system.
  • Manage loan performance in Hyperion Financials using SQL and PL/SQL tools.
  • Manage and contribute to EDI processes ensuring HIPAA compliance and access to clearing house review on individual case status.
  • Develop Java application to automate reformatting of text files for an internal application.
  • Execute deterministic modeling and Monte Carlo simulations in MATLAB to achieve greater mathematical confidence in results obtain from analysis.
  • Manage weapon system project websites via SharePoint, including troubleshooting technical issues and developing guidelines for public/private information and user permissions.
  • Show more

Epidemiologist vs data analyst skills

Common epidemiologist skills
  • SAS, 8%
  • Data Analysis, 7%
  • Statistical Analysis, 7%
  • Patients, 5%
  • Infectious Disease, 4%
  • Data Management, 4%
Common data analyst skills
  • Data Analysis, 10%
  • Python, 7%
  • Power Bi, 6%
  • Data Management, 6%
  • Visualization, 5%
  • Data Quality, 4%

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