Exploring CDC Jobs in Atlanta: Local Guide to Careers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Atlanta is home to the headquarters of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it one of the most important public health employment hubs in the world. If you live in the metro area, are relocating to Atlanta, or are simply exploring career options here, CDC jobs in Atlanta can offer stable federal employment, mission-driven work, and a wide range of roles beyond just doctors and scientists.

This guide walks through how CDC employment works in Atlanta, the kinds of jobs available, typical qualifications, how to apply, and practical tips specific to living and working near CDC campuses.

Why Atlanta Is Central to CDC Careers

The CDC’s primary headquarters and many major centers and divisions are based in Atlanta, Georgia, especially along the Clifton Road corridor near Emory University and in nearby office complexes.

For Atlanta residents and newcomers, that means:

• A large, steady federal employer right in the city
• Career options for public health, science, IT, administration, policy, security, trades, and more
• Opportunities for students, recent graduates, and experienced professionals
• The chance to work on national and global health issues without leaving metro Atlanta

If you’re building a life in Atlanta and want a public-service-oriented career, CDC is one of the city’s anchor employers, similar to how major corporations and universities anchor other local job markets.

Main CDC Campuses and Locations in Atlanta

While details can evolve over time, several major CDC locations in Atlanta are widely recognized:

1. CDC Roybal Campus (Clifton Road Headquarters)

• Area: Near Emory University / Druid Hills
• General vicinity: Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
• What happens here:
  • Core CDC leadership and administration
  • Many epidemiology and laboratory units
  • Policy, communications, and program management offices

2. Chamblee and Other Satellite Campuses

• Area: Chamblee / North DeKalb and surrounding areas
• What happens here:
  • Additional lab facilities
  • Support services, training, and specialized offices

3. Downtown / Midtown Offices (as needed)
CDC has also maintained office space from time to time in the broader Atlanta area for specific programs, meetings, or partner-facing work.

🧭 Tip: When you apply, the job posting will usually list the exact duty location (for example, “Atlanta, GA – Roybal Campus”). This matters for commute planning, parking, and transit options.

Types of CDC Jobs Available in Atlanta

People often picture only lab scientists when they think of CDC, but the agency hires a wide spectrum of professions. Many are based right here in Atlanta.

Scientific and Public Health Roles

Common Atlanta-based roles include:

• Epidemiologists
• Public health advisors and analysts
• Biostatisticians and data scientists
• Microbiologists and laboratory scientists
• Infectious disease specialists
• Behavioral scientists and health educators
• Environmental health and occupational health professionals

These roles often support disease surveillance, outbreak response, health education campaigns, and data analysis that drive national and international health policy.

Medical and Clinical Roles

For those with clinical credentials:

• Physicians (MD/DO)
• Nurses (RNs, advanced practice nurses)
• Pharmacists
• Clinical researchers

Many are involved in research, program guidance, and policy, rather than direct patient care, but the clinical background is essential.

Data, Technology, and Cybersecurity Roles

CDC relies heavily on data systems and secure networks:

• IT specialists and systems engineers
• Cybersecurity professionals
• Software developers
• Cloud and network engineers
• Health informatics specialists

These Atlanta-based roles support surveillance systems, secure communications, and large-scale data management.

Policy, Communications, and Program Management

CDC’s Atlanta headquarters has many roles focused on planning, coordination, and communication:

• Program managers and project officers
• Policy analysts
• Technical writers and editors
• Health communicators
• Public affairs specialists and media relations staff

These positions help translate science into guidance for health departments, healthcare providers, and the public.

Business, Administrative, and Support Roles

CDC also employs people in roles similar to any large organization:

• Human resources specialists
• Budget and finance analysts
• Contracting and acquisitions specialists
• Administrative assistants and executive assistants
• Logistics and facilities management

These jobs tend to be stable federal positions and can be attractive for those with business, accounting, or administrative backgrounds.

Skilled Trades and Operations

To support labs and buildings, CDC may employ or contract for:

• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians
• Building engineers and maintenance staff
• Security and safety personnel

These roles help keep high-security lab and office environments functioning reliably.

Common Entry Points: Students, Grads, and Mid-Career Professionals

Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates

If you’re in Atlanta attending Emory, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Spelman, or other local colleges, there are several entry pathways often associated with CDC:

• Internships and fellowships (some paid, some unpaid)
• Training programs after graduation in fields like epidemiology, lab science, or health communications
• Entry-level analyst or assistant positions

Many Atlantans begin with a temporary or fellowship position and then transition into permanent roles as they gain experience.

Mid-Career and Experienced Hires

Professionals with experience in:

• Public health practice (e.g., local health departments in Georgia)
• Clinical medicine or nursing
• Data science, statistics, or IT
• Government contracting or budgeting
• Communications and public affairs

may qualify directly for mid-level or senior roles at CDC in Atlanta. These jobs often list specific years of experience and education credentials needed.

How Federal Hiring Works for CDC Jobs in Atlanta

CDC is a federal agency, so its hiring process is structured and can feel different from private-sector hiring around Atlanta.

Key Things to Know

• Most CDC jobs are federal civil service positions.
  They follow federal pay scales and classification systems.

• Job announcements are structured.
  Each posting will list:

  • Duties and responsibilities
  • Required qualifications and specialized experience
  • Education requirements
  • Grade level and pay range
  • Duty location (for example, “Atlanta, GA”)
  • Application instructions and deadlines

• Veterans’ preference and other hiring authorities may apply.
  Veterans, certain military spouses, and some other groups may receive consideration under special rules.

• Security and background checks are common.
  Depending on the role, this may include fingerprinting, security clearance processes, and verification of education and employment history.

📝 Local reality check: The process can feel slower than private companies in Atlanta’s tech or corporate sectors. It’s common for weeks or months to pass between application and final offer.

Qualifications: What Employers Typically Look For

Education

• Many scientific and public health roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, public health, statistics, or a related area.
• Advanced roles may require a master’s (MPH, MS, MPA, MHA) or doctorate (PhD, MD, DrPH).
• IT, cybersecurity, and engineering roles often require specialized degrees or equivalent experience plus certifications.

Experience

Job postings often specify “specialized experience” at a certain level, such as:

• Managing public health programs
• Designing and analyzing epidemiologic studies
• Leading software development or cybersecurity projects
• Preparing budgets or managing grants and contracts
• Producing and reviewing technical or scientific documents

Experience gained at local hospitals, Georgia health departments, universities, or private firms in metro Atlanta can be very relevant.

Skills

Some skills that are commonly valued in CDC jobs in Atlanta:

• Data analysis (for example, using R, SAS, Python, or SQL)
• Scientific or technical writing
• Project and program management
• Communication skills for both technical and general audiences
• Collaboration with local, state, and international partners

What It’s Like to Work at CDC in Atlanta

Work Environment

• Most positions are office-based or lab-based, with standard weekday hours.
• Some roles may involve on-call responsibilities, especially those related to emergency response.
• Hybrid or telework options may be available for certain jobs, though lab, security, and some operational roles must be on-site.

Salary and Benefits

CDC employees are part of the federal workforce, which typically includes:

• Structured salary grades based on education and experience
• Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave
• Access to federal employee programs, including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement savings

Because Atlanta’s cost of living is generally lower than that of Washington, D.C. or major Northeast cities, many people find federal salaries go relatively farther here, especially in suburban areas.

Commuting and Transportation

Major CDC Atlanta sites are near:

• I-85, I-285, and North Druid Hills / Clairmont Road corridors
• Residential neighborhoods in Druid Hills, Decatur, Northlake, Tucker, Brookhaven, and others

Transit and commute tips:

• Some campuses are served by MARTA bus routes; you may need to pair this with walking or a short drive.
• Parking rules and availability vary by site and role; always check job announcements or onboarding instructions.
• Many employees choose to live within a 20–30 minute drive of their main campus to manage Atlanta traffic.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing CDC Employment in Atlanta

Potential Advantages

• Mission-driven work: Contributing to national and global health from your base in Atlanta.
• Job stability: Federal positions tend to be more stable than some private-sector roles.
• Variety of career paths: From science and medicine to IT, communications, and administration.
• Local prestige: CDC is one of Atlanta’s most recognized public institutions.

Potential Challenges

• Competitive hiring: Many positions attract applicants from across the country and internationally.
• Structured process: Applications and hiring can feel formal and paperwork-heavy.
• Security and compliance: Some roles involve strict protocols, especially in labs and secure facilities.
• Commute considerations: Depending on where you live in metro Atlanta, rush-hour traffic can be significant.

CDC Atlanta Jobs vs. Other Local Public Health Options

If you’re committed to staying in Atlanta and want public health or health-related work, CDC is not the only option. You might compare CDC roles with:

Many Atlanta professionals move between these sectors over the course of their careers. Experience at the local or state level can be a stepping stone to CDC roles, and vice versa.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents Seeking CDC Jobs

1. Clarify your specialty.
   Figure out whether you’re targeting lab science, epidemiology, IT, communications, policy, or administration; tailor your resume and job search accordingly.

2. Leverage local education and training.
   Programs at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, Georgia State’s School of Public Health, Georgia Tech, and other local institutions are common launching pads into CDC.

3. Network locally.
   Attend public health, data, or healthcare meetups in Atlanta. Many attendees either work at CDC or collaborate with it, which can help you understand what hiring managers look for.

4. Prepare for federal-style resumes.
   Federal resumes typically:

   • Are longer and more detailed than corporate resumes
   • Include specific dates, hours per week, and detailed duties
   • Clearly map your experience to the job’s “specialized experience” section

5. Be patient and apply to multiple roles.
   It’s common for applicants to apply for several relevant positions before receiving an offer. Treat it as a medium- to long-term strategy rather than a quick switch.

6. Consider temporary or fellowship routes.
   If you’re early in your career or changing fields, short-term programs or fellowships in Atlanta can provide a foot in the door, as long as you’re comfortable with time-limited appointments.

Living in Atlanta While Working for CDC

For many people, the appeal of a CDC job is not just the work, but the ability to build a life in metro Atlanta:

• Neighborhoods near CDC campuses include Druid Hills, Decatur, Northlake, Brookhaven, and parts of Tucker and Chamblee.
• These areas offer a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes, with easy access to parks, restaurants, and local schools.
• If you prefer intown living, you can commute from Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward, balancing city amenities with a commute toward the Clifton corridor.

When weighing a CDC offer, Atlanta residents often consider:

• Commute time from their preferred neighborhood
• School options if they have children
• Secondary employment opportunities for spouses or partners in the metro area
• Access to transit, parks, and community resources

How to Decide if CDC Jobs in Atlanta Are Right for You

For someone living in or moving to Atlanta, CDC employment can be a strong fit if:

• You value public service and science-based decision making
• You’re comfortable with structured processes and documentation
• You want long-term, stable employment with room to grow
• You prefer to stay rooted in Atlanta’s job market while working on national or global issues

On the other hand, if you’re seeking rapid startup-style change, highly flexible hiring, or fully remote work, you might also consider private-sector, tech, or consulting roles in the Atlanta area, and treat CDC positions as one part of a broader search.

By understanding how CDC jobs in Atlanta are organized, what qualifications are common, and how federal hiring works, you can make realistic decisions about whether to pursue these opportunities as part of your career in the city.