In 2025, the United States experienced 23 weather and climate disasters that each caused at least $1 billion in damages, according to the nonprofit organization Climate Central. These disasters collectively led to 276 deaths and $115 billion in damages.
Emergency management professionals aim to decrease the negative effects of these and other types of disasters. Professionals who pursue careers in emergency management help protect families, organizations and communities through preparation, risk assessment, communication, and disaster response.
Earning an advanced degree in this field, such as a master’s in emergency management and preparation, can help professionals gain the knowledge and skills they need to lead disaster preparedness and response efforts.
What Is Emergency Management?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines emergency management as the coordination of services that “protect life, property and continuity of operations.” Emergency management involves preparing for, responding to, and recovering from various types of emergencies, including:
- Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes ,and floods
- Public health emergencies, such as pandemics and epidemics, chemical exposures, and food safety concerns
- Human-caused events, such as terrorism and other coordinated attacks as well as cybersecurity incidents, and power outages
Emergency Management Careers: 4 Examples
Emergency management career opportunities are available in businesses and nonprofit organizations, as well as in the public sector at the local, state and national levels. The following are four examples of roles for those interested in pursuing an emergency management career that postgraduate education can provide preparation for:
1. Risk Management Consultant
Risk management consultants help companies, government agencies and other organizations identify risks that could disrupt their operations or affect their long-term stability. This role generally requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience. For consultants specializing in emergency preparedness or business continuity, holding a certification, such as a certified emergency manager (CEM) or certified business continuity professional (CBCP) credential, can demonstrate expertise. Advanced education can help professionals move into senior-level roles.
Risk Management Consultant Duties and Skills
Some risk management consultants assess a broad range of organizational risks, while others focus on a particular area, such as emergency preparedness or environmental risk. They conduct assessments to identify risks and then report on their findings. They also train the organization’s staff to protect against these issues.
Risk management consultants need strong analytical and communication skills to be able to identify potential threats, evaluate their impact, and recommend appropriate solutions. Their work also requires proficiency in reporting and business continuity planning.
Risk Management Consultant Salary and Job Outlook
Salaries for risk management consultants vary based on factors such as their education, experience, and location. Additionally, these professionals’ areas of specialization can affect their pay levels and job demand.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of management analysts, professionals in a related occupation, was $101,860 in 2025. The BLS projects 10 percent job growth for this occupation — with about 94,100 openings expected each year — between 2025 and 2035.
2. Emergency Management Director
Emergency management directors lead emergency response planning and mitigation efforts. They assess the impact of past events, including natural disasters, public health emergencies, and human-caused events, and apply their findings to future response efforts.
This role generally requires a bachelor’s degree in emergency management, business or a related field, as well as several years of industry experience. An advanced degree, such as a master’s in emergency management, can help professionals stand out in the field.
Emergency Management Director Duties and Skills
The responsibilities of an emergency management director include preparing disaster response plans that minimize potential risks and losses, overseeing emergency response staff, and coordinating response resources with nearby communities and organizations.
These professionals need strong communication skills to convey information to a wide range of colleagues. They also need strong leadership and organizational skills to coordinate emergency response teams and resources.
Emergency Management Director Salary and Job Outlook
Emergency management directors had a median annual salary of $93,330 in 2025, according to the BLS. The BLS projects 4 percent job growth — or about 1,100 openings each year — between 2025 and 2035.
3. Community Health Worker or Manager
Another example of an emergency management career role is that of a community health worker. These professionals focus on educating community members about healthy behaviors, particularly in underserved areas.
Entry-level roles in community health generally require at least a high school diploma or associate degree. Some states require community health workers to obtain a certification, such as a certified in public health (CPH) or certified health education specialist (CHES) credential, although requirements vary by location.
Additional education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in community health or public health, can help community health workers develop their skills and pursue career advancement into roles such as community health manager.
Community Health Worker Duties and Skills
Community health workers and managers help ensure that individuals and communities have reliable health information, including about public health emergencies. They coordinate programs related to healthcare and social services, connect individuals with available resources, and provide education about health and safety.
These professionals need strong communication and interpersonal skills to be able to educate community members on various topics. Their work also calls for problem-solving and organizational skills so they can help ensure available resources are being used to manage the spread of health and emergency preparedness education.
Community Health Worker Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for community health workers in 2025 was $51,850, according to the BLS. The bureau projects 13 percent employment growth for community health workers between 2025 and 2035, well above the 3 percent average growth projected for all occupations.
4. Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) provide frontline medical care during emergencies. They assess and treat patients at the scene and, in many cases, transport them to healthcare facilities for further treatment.
The EMT role is a good fit for those interested in an emergency management career that focuses on hands-on work. It generally requires completing a postsecondary educational program and obtaining EMT certification. States require EMTs to be licensed. Specifications for this licensing vary.
Earning an advanced degree in emergency management can help EMTs expand their duties to include strategic planning and crisis response responsibilities, which can enable them to take on leadership roles in large-scale medical emergencies.
EMT Duties and Skills
EMTs care for patients at the site of an emergency. The level of care that these professionals can provide depends on their training and certification. Intermediate certification permits EMTs to provide more advanced treatment, such as administering medications.
To fulfill their duties, EMTs must be capable of determining the appropriate care for those in distress — and then providing it with compassion. This work requires strong interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities.
EMT Salary and Job Outlook
According to the BLS, EMTs had a median annual salary of $44,470 in 2025, with the highest 10 percent of earners making more than $62,500.
The BLS projects 6 percent employment growth for EMTs between 2025 and 2035 and expects there will be about 18,200 job openings for these professionals each year during that decade.
Build Your Emergency Management Career
If you’re ready to advance in your career in emergency management, explore the SEMO Online Master of Science in Emergency Management and Preparedness degree program. The program features flexible online coursework as well as research and internship opportunities. The curriculum is designed to enable students to develop skills in emergency planning, crisis communication and disaster response, preparing them to coordinate with government agencies, lead emergency preparedness efforts and help communities and organizations recover from disasters.
Discover how the SEMO Online MS in Emergency Management and Preparedness program can help you take the next step in your emergency management career.
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Sources:
American Red Cross, Emergency Preparedness Tips From the Red Cross
Climate Central, 2025 in Review: U.S. Billion-Dollar Disasters
Health Response Alliance, “The Role of Community Health Workers in Emergency Response”
Indeed, “12 Careers to Consider in Emergency Management”
Indeed, “12 Jobs You Can Do with an Emergency and Disaster Management Degree”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Community Health Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Emergency Management Directors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, EMTs and Paramedics
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians