Students in Emergency Management

Emergency Management Job Outlook

What Emergency Management Directors Do

Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies, often in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Work Environment

Most emergency management directors work for state or local governments. However, others may work for private companies, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations.

How to Become an Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors typically need a bachelor’s degree, as well as multiple years of work experience in emergency response, disaster planning, or public administration.

Pay

The median annual wage for emergency management directors was $76,730 in 2021.

Job Outlook

Employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The importance of preparing for and minimizing the risks from emergencies will help sustain demand and employment for these workers.

Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website for the full report and more resources.