How Much Can I Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management? – Emergency Management Degree Program Guide

December 18, 2013December 17, 2013

When you think of an emergency response team, you typically picture firefighters, EMTs and police officers, but there is a team of emergency management professionals who operate behind the scenes to ensure a prompt response that minimize damages and injuries. Since the tragic September 11 attacks where thousands of Americans perished on their own soil, both public and private organizations have been open to spending more money on emergency management.

With more focus comes a higher demand for professionals in the field and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand will lead to employment growth of 22 percent by 2018. With employment growth higher than the average growth in the nation, there is no denying that there will be opportunity in the field, but you must also consider how much you will earn as an emergency management professional once you have earned your Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. If you are interested in learning about your earning potential before you select between one of the 180 Emergency Management post-secondary education programs, here is your salary guide.

The Difference Between Average Salaries and Actual Salaries

Emergency management salaries can vary dramatically, and when you are researching salaries within the field you must keep this fact in mind. The salaries in some states are significantly higher than the salaries in others, and some specialists earn more because they are employed by the government versus a mid-sized private organization.

Emergency management specialists throughout the nation earn a national average salary of $53,000 per year. This figure includes the salaries reported in high-paying states like California and Massachusetts as well as lower-paying states where the cost of living justifies lower pay scales. This average also lumps together experienced specialists and entry-level trainees. Consider the national average as a good starting point when determining how much you can make, but always keep the important details in mind that can affect your lifetime earning potential.

Pay in Emergency Management Depends on Your Title and Your Employer

There are many different titles within emergency management, and the title you qualify for will vary in accordance with your experience in the field and your academic background. Having a degree in Emergency Management will help you get your foot in the door, but qualifying for a mid-level title or a high-level title requires a lot of experience because you will carry a high level of responsibility. When you enter the field, you can expect to be a trainee or an emergency management specialist. As you gain more experience in developing disaster response plans, training, and documenting disasters, you can work your way up to the title of emergency management coordinator or director. These positions are supervisory and executive level positions, and pay anywhere from $35,357 to $99,564 according to Payscale.com.

If emergency planning interests you and you are able to manage a stressful career, earn a degree in Emergency Management and start looking for opportunities in the public or the private sector. By being involved in planning for the times when disaster strikes, you can contribute to society and earn a living while you do it. Research salary ranges in your state and for the occupation of your choice, and find out a realistic range before going to school.