Emergency Management Directors work in a variety of settings, primarily within local and state governments, private companies, emergency operations centers (EOCs), colleges and universities, and hospitals.

Emergency Management Directors are responsible for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from all types of emergencies and disasters. Their duties are comprehensive and include planning, preparedness, and response leadership.

Emergency Management Directors are typically responsible, accountable, goal-oriented, and proactive. These essential skills help them think and respond appropriately to emergencies.

To excel as an Emergency Management Director, you need a strong blend of technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills such as leadership and decision-making, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, organizational and planning abilities, adaptability, and composure.

The average annual salary for an Emergency Management Director in the United States is around $98,658 as of July 2025. However, salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and the size and type of organization. Some top earners can make up to $144,000 annually or more, with some areas like San Jose, CA, showing much higher averages. Salaries can range from approximately $43,205 to over $457,242.