One of the most appealing aspects of a PhD in emergency management is the fact that the degree is relatively new. Federal and state agencies along with private companies have found a strong need to employ individuals who are experts at identifying the potential for emergency situations and knowing how to minimize risks when an emergency arises. Here are the top paying positions when you have either an emergency management or a Homeland Security doctoral degree.
1. Emergency Management Director
An emergency management director will plan and implement procedures for potential crises. Emergency plans may be needed for natural disasters, hostage situations, wartime emergencies, and technological failures. In the majority of cases, state and local branches of government will hire an emergency management director. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a mean annual wage of $81,140 in 2017 for emergency management directors.
2. Emergency Management Specialist
Emergency management specialists are typically employed by the federal government and utilized to develop contingency plans. Job duties vary, but they may include setting up evacuation routes in case of a natural disaster, coordinating efforts to provide food and shelter to displaced individuals, and securing federal funding for severe flooding. Glassdoor reports an average base pay of $75,000 annually for those employed as emergency management specialists.
3. Hazard Mitigation Consultant
Hazard mitigation consultants have one of the most critical jobs in the world: analyze the risks associated with natural hazards and strategize to minimize the impact of the disaster. A hazard mitigation consultant would typically be hired by federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Consulting firms also hire hazard mitigation specialists as a way to provide emergency planning to private organizations. Hazard mitigation consultants are typically expected to travel frequently to meet with clients. Hazard mitigation consultant salaries can average around $57,1000 annually.
4. Homeland Security Officer
A homeland security officer is responsible for protecting the United State’s infrastructure in the case of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. They will develop crisis response plans and train others on procedures required to protect the country. Specialist positions are available within the field. For instance, a homeland security officer in the field of information technology will be responsible for the protection of extremely sensitive data sources. Securing a position within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highly coveted. The average salary found within the federal department in 2017 was reported as $115,316.
5. Hospital Emergency Preparedness Administrator
A hospital emergency preparedness administrator is responsible for implementing crisis plans in order to protect patients and staff members within a medical facility. They are responsible for being well-versed in federal, state, and local emergency response guidelines. The administrator will train staff on emergency procedures and assess the effectiveness of current crisis plans. Administrators must coordinate with other agencies regarding plans for evacuations in the event of an emergency. Emergency management directors employed by medical and surgical hospitals make an average of $87,830 per year, according to a May 2017 report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.