For National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we are highlighting 10 occupations in which workers may help before, during or after catastrophic events.
Most of these occupations had an annual wage above the median of $45,760 for all workers in 2021 and are projected to have average or above-average employment growth from 2020 to 2030. (Note: Data shown are for all workers in these occupations, not just those who are involved in disaster relief.)
Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists
What they do: Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, study the weather and climate, develop forecasts, and issue warnings in advance of severe weather.
2021 median annual wage: $94,570
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2020): 10,700
Projected growth, 2020-30: 8% (about as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 1,000
Emergency management directors
What they do: Emergency management directors create plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after crises.
2021 median annual wage: $76,730
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2020): 10,500
Projected growth, 2020-30: 6% (about as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 1,000
EMTs and paramedics
What they do: Emergency medical technicians and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
2021 median annual wage: $36,930
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Number of jobs (2020): 261,300
Projected growth, 2020-30: 11% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 20,700
Fundraisers
What they do: Fundraisers organize events and campaigns to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization.
2021 median annual wage: $60,660
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2020): 101,300
Projected growth, 2020-30: 16% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 12,000
Hydrologists
What they do: Hydrologists study the Earth’s water, and they may produce flood forecasts and help develop flood management plans.
2021 median annual wage: $84,030
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2020): 6,500
Projected growth, 2020-30: 6% (about as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 700
Insurance claims and policy processing clerks
What they do: Insurance claims and policy processing clerks process customers’ applications and payment requests for losses that are covered by insurance.
2021 median annual wage: $45,520
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma
Number of jobs (2020): 277,900
Projected growth, 2020-30: 1% (little or no change)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 26,700
Mental health counselors
(Includes data for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors)
What they do: Mental health counselors treat clients with a variety of conditions, including anxiety and grief, and provide help for mental and emotional health issues.
2021 median annual wage: $48,520
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2020): 327,500
Projected growth, 2020-30: 23% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 41,000
Public safety telecommunicators
What they do: Public safety telecommunicators, including 911 operators and fire dispatchers, answer emergency and nonemergency calls and provide resources to assist those in need.
2021 median annual wage: $46,670
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma
Number of jobs (2020): 95,400
Projected growth, 2020-30: 8% (about as fast as average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 9,800
Social and community service managers
What they do: Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
2021 median annual wage: $74,000
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs (2020): 174,200
Projected growth, 2020-30: 15% (faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 18,300
Social and human service assistants
What they do: Social and human service assistants help clients get benefits or community services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
2021 median annual wage: $37,610
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma
Number of jobs (2020): 417,600
Projected growth, 2020-30: 17% (much faster than average)
Occupational openings, 2020-30 annual average: 59,100
Explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
