12 Highest Paying Public Health Jobs in 2023
Discover the responsibilities, requirements, salaries, and career outlook for the best public health jobs in the U.S.
The desire to foster health and well-being in communities goes beyond hands-on healthcare. Many individuals aim to make substantial contributions on a broader scale, focusing on public health policy and healthcare management, addressing public health issues, and shaping strategies that elevate the overall quality of health in different communities worldwide.
If you wish to pursue a career where you can deeply understand public health issues or impact the direction of public health policies, a Master in Public Health (MPH) can be a terrific start. During this academic journey, you will have the leeway to fine-tune your education towards several promising specialties, thereby unlocking doors to various high-paying public health jobs within the vibrant public health sector.
This article aims to guide you through the myriad career opportunities of MPH degree holders, the prerequisites for these high-paying roles, the positive public health job outlook, and their prospective salary* ranges. It’s common for most MPH graduates to select their career trajectory based on their passions, academic strengths, and areas of personal interest. Nevertheless, insight into the earning potential for these public health role specialties should also be considered.
To help you make a well-informed decision, we’ve curated a list of the best-paying public health jobs that are attainable with a Master of Public Health degree to assist you in merging your passion with a lucrative career path.
Related: Still exploring your options? Click here for our complete list of the Best Entry-Level Medical Jobs.
12. Public Health Educator
What is a Public Health Educator?
Public health educators play a crucial role in shaping the community’s health outlook by utilizing their expertise to analyze demographic data for creating or enhancing educational health programs in their communities. These programs are designed to instill healthy habits and lifestyles for various segments of the population. Their roles are typically research-oriented and administrative, encompassing many responsibilities.
What Does a Public Health Educator Do?
Public health educators undertake many responsibilities, often varying based on their specific roles. They might design custom programs that target specific communities or populations, or they can collect and interpret data for evaluating the performance of existing health programs.
These professionals also serve as public health advocates, fervently promoting policies to enhance health and wellness, thereby improving their communities’ general health outlook.
Where Does a Public Health Educator Work?
In their quest to foster healthier communities, public health educators find opportunities in a diverse range of settings. These often come as full-time roles, predominately housed in public hospitals, non-profit organizations, and government agencies – sectors known for offering a solid public health job salary.
What are the Requirements to Become a Public Health Educator?
Entry-level public health jobs generally demand a bachelor’s degree. However, for those envisioning a career with government organizations catering to expansive communities, a master’s degree emphasizing public health education could be a gateway to some of the highest-paying public health jobs.
Furthermore, obtaining credentials such as a Health Education Specialist or Master Certified Health Education Specialist from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing is favorably looked upon by many employers.
What is the Job Outlook for a Public Health Educator?
The trajectory for public health educators seems promising, with substantial growth projected in the coming years.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the public health job outlook is optimistic, anticipating a growth rate of about 7% by 2031, potentially paving the way for more high-paying public health jobs.
How Much Does a Public Health Educator Make?
The earnings of a public health educator are commendable. According to the BLS, these professionals enjoy an average annual salary* of approximately $67,000, translating to an hourly wage of about $32.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Public Health Educator
11. Public Health Administrator
What is a Public Health Administrator?
Public health administrators, alternatively recognized as health service administrators or public healthcare administrators, are the backbone of non-clinical operations in governmental or public organizations. These professionals serve in leadership positions within larger organizations, often taking charge of individual healthcare departments. Apart from administrative tasks, they are pioneers in strategizing and implementing programs to elevate the health and welfare status of the communities they serve.
What Does a Public Health Administrator Do?
Public health administrators are at the heart of many healthcare programs, recognized for their innovative approach and leadership skills. Tasked with managing complex teams and budgets, they assume a critical role in enacting beneficial public healthcare programs.
Their duties are multi-faceted, encompassing a range of responsibilities that include:
- Improving the organizational structure within a healthcare institution or program
- Crafting grant proposals to secure funds and amplify the impact of public health programs
- Overseeing financial management to ensure the stability and growth of the organization
- Organizing fundraisers to pool resources and foster community involvement
- Spearheading community outreach programs
- Ensuring adherence to government compliance
Where Does a Public Health Administrator Work?
Public health administrators predominantly operate within an office environment, finding opportunities in diverse organizations such as public hospitals, health insurance companies, non-profit entities, NGOs, and government agencies at various levels.
What are the Requirements to Become a Public Health Administrator?
Embarking on this career typically begins with acquiring a bachelor’s degree, a minimum requirement for entry-level public health administrative positions. Those seeking leadership roles within larger organizations often pursue a master’s degree in Public Health Administration. This advanced qualification equips you with critical management principles, public health methodologies, and budgeting skills. Though not mandatory, voluntary certification might broaden your opportunities in the job market and help you secure a higher-paying MPH job.
What is the Job Outlook for a Public Health Administrator?
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish job outlook information for public health administrators, we learned that the employment of health services managers is projected to grow 28% by 2032.
How Much Does a Public Health Administrator Make?
Regarding earnings, public health administrators can expect a gratifying compensation package. According to data from Salary.com, these professionals enjoy an average annual salary* of around $78,000, translating to an approximate hourly rate of $38.00.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Public Health Administrator
10. Public Health Program Manager
What is a Public Health Program Manager?
Public health program managers are the wizards behind the curtain, overseeing the orchestration and successful implementation of public health campaigns and projects. Acting as the linchpin within an interdisciplinary team, they strive to meet vital public health objectives within stipulated timelines and budgetary constraints.
What Does a Public Health Program Manager Do?
A typical day in the life of a public health program manager is characterized by dynamic multitasking and resourceful decision-making. These professionals are entrusted with many responsibilities, including:
- Crafting detailed production schedules that align with program expectations
- Allocating tasks and delegating responsibilities efficiently
- Steering meetings to ascertain the accomplishment of project goals
- Managing budgets to secure financial viability
- Documenting and recording project milestones
- Conducting regular project status reviews
- Keeping upper management abreast of project statuses
Where Does a Public Health Program Manager Work?
Predominantly stationed in public hospitals, public health program managers can find job opportunities within local, state, and federal institutions.
What are the Requirements to Become a Public Health Program Manager?
For aspiring public health program managers, this career often begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in public health, epidemiology, sociology, or biostatistics. While these qualifications can help you secure entry-level opportunities, advancing towards a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) can lead to greater opportunities with more responsibility and higher pay. Although certification remains optional, acquiring one could enhance your prospects in the competitive job landscape.
What is the Job Outlook for a Public Health Program Manager?
While the BLS has not provided specific job data for public health program managers, the job trends for similar roles are promising. According to the BLS, the employment of health services managers is projected to grow 28% by 2032.
How Much Does a Public Health Program Manager Make?
According to Salary.com, public health program managers can earn an average annual salary* of about $78,000, equating to approximately $38.00 per hour.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Public Health Program Manager
9. Occupational Health Specialist
What is an Occupational Health Specialist?
An occupational health specialist stands at the forefront of maintaining workplace health and safety. They analyze workplace environments and procedures to ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. These experts are instrumental in fostering safer work environments by crafting programs to prevent disease transmission, injuries, or environmental harm.
What Does an Occupational Health Specialist Do?
Occupational health specialists are investigators who perform statistical analysis on data gathered from various sources to determine how health problems are introduced to a workplace or community. When new diseases or injuries are discovered, they investigate and work to find their causes. Occupational health specialists use their findings to recommend policies and practices that improve safety or control the spread of disease.
Where Does an Occupational Health Specialist Work?
Occupational health specialists frequently switch between fieldwork and office settings, inspecting many worksites prone to hazardous conditions, including manufacturing units, mines, warehouses, laboratories, and maintenance facilities.
What are the Requirements to Become an Occupational Health Specialist?
Embarking on a career as an occupational health specialist begins with acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a pertinent field. In a competitive job market, however, a master’s degree focusing on occupational health or industrial hygiene can significantly improve your chances of employment.
While not mandatory, some employers prefer hiring candidates who are certified. The Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene can provide more information about these certifications.
What is the Job Outlook for an Occupational Health Specialist?
According to the BLS, employment of occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow 13% by 2032.
How Much Does an Occupational Health Specialist Make?
According to the BLS, occupational health and safety specialists can anticipate an annual average salary* of approximately $82,000, translating to an hourly rate of around $40.
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Click here to learn How to Become an Occupational Health Specialist
8. Epidemiologist
What is an Epidemiologist?
An epidemiologist, sometimes known as an infectious disease specialist, investigates the origins of diseases and develops strategies to curb their spread and recurrence. This role is critical in determining the at-risk populations and communicating vital information to governmental bodies and the wider public.
What Does an Epidemiologist Do?
Epitomizing the role of a health investigator, epidemiologists are proficient in conducting statistical analyses of data accumulated from diverse sources. Their central mission is to decipher the mechanisms of health issues proliferating within communities. As detectives, they are at the frontline when new diseases emerge, spearheading efforts to identify their origins and proposing strategic policies to mitigate their spread.
Where Does an Epidemiologist Work?
With a versatile role spanning office spaces, laboratories, and field environments, epidemiologists find opportunities in many settings. Their services are essential in federal, state, and local governmental bodies, public hospitals, and educational institutions.
What are the Requirements to Become an Epidemiologist?
Embarking on a career as an epidemiologist requires a master’s degree specializing in epidemiology. Furthermore, prospective candidates may be required to complete an internship spanning up to a year.
What is the Job Outlook for an Epidemiologist?
Employment prospects for epidemiologists are expected to grow. The BLS projects employment for epidemiologists to grow 27% by 2032. This projection signals the robust dynamics of the public health job market, particularly for those interested in disease control and prevention.
How Much Does an Epidemiologist Make?
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reflects an encouraging trend in the earning potential for epidemiologists, with an average annual salary* of around $86,000, equivalent to an hourly wage of about $41.
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Click here to learn How to Become an Epidemiologist
7. Public Healthcare Consultant
What is a Public Healthcare Consultant?
Public healthcare consultants, also known as public health consultants, are independent public health experts who collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and healthcare facilities. Their main goal? To sculpt effective policies and programs that enhance the overall health standards of communities.
What Does a Public Healthcare Consultant Do?
Public healthcare consultants design programs that address urgent public health issues. They conduct extensive research into these issues and analyze their findings. Upon completion, they present their results and assist in formulating new public health policies. Public health consultants are often called upon to examine existing public health policies or programs and provide input on modifying them to address current health trends.
Where Does a Public Healthcare Consultant Work?
Public health consultants are self-employed professionals who can work from their homes or personal offices. Their work profile may include frequent visits and meetings at their clients’ offices.
What are the Requirements to Become a Public Healthcare Consultant?
The minimum educational requirement for a public health consultant is a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from an accredited college or university. Many consultants first obtain an undergraduate degree in a field of study related to public health, such as nursing, biology, epidemiology, or health science. Post-graduation garnering experience at established health agencies or non-profits can further prepare you for a successful career in public health consulting.
What is the Job Outlook for a Public Healthcare Consultant?
While the BLS doesn’t publish employment data for public healthcare consultants, the projections for the analogous field of medical and health services managers are promising. The anticipated growth rate is an impressive 28% by 2032, hinting at a flourishing trajectory in public health employment trends.
How Much Does a Public Healthcare Consultant Make?
Salary.com indicates an encouraging financial outlook for public healthcare consultants, with an average yearly income of about $87,000, translating to an hourly wage of approximately $42.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Public Healthcare Consultant
6. Biostatistician
What is a Biostatistician?
By proficiency applying statistical theories and methods, Biostatisticians unravel complex questions that permeate medicine, biology, and public health. Their goal is to help medical professionals and biological scientists make data-driven decisions based on mathematical analysis.
What Does a Biostatistician Do?
Biostatisticians are akin to detectives in the public health sector. They perform quantitative research to pinpoint potential health risks looming over communities. They use tools like clinical trials, surveys, and laboratory experiments to gather a rich data repository. This data undergoes meticulous analysis, culminating in robust conclusions disseminated through academic journals, presentations, and educational content. Their insights are vital in shaping public health policies and strategies, significantly impacting community health improvement programs.
Where Does a Biostatistician Work?
With a versatile skill set, biostatisticians find opportunities in many settings, including universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and governmental health departments. Whether it’s the serenity of an office or the educational vibe of a classroom, they seamlessly adapt to various work environments.
What are the Requirements to Become a Biostatistician?
To embark on a successful career as a biostatistician, one needs to secure a master of public health degree or a comparable master’s degree complemented by a certification in biostatistics. But a solid educational background is just the starting point. Employers highly value practical experience in scientific research. Candidates with internships and field experiences may have a competitive advantage when applying for these roles.
What is the Job Outlook for a Biostatistician?
Although the BLS doesn’t delineate specific data regarding biostatisticians, they shed light on the closely associated field of statisticians. Riding on a promising trajectory, employment of statisticians is anticipated to grow 30% by 2032.
How Much Does a Biostatistician Make?
Biostatisticians enjoy a rewarding financial outlook. Salary.com estimates that Biostatisticians can earn an average salary* of about $76,000 annually. This translates to an hourly wage of about $36.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Biostatistician
5. Health Informatics Specialist
What is a Health Informatics Specialist?
By merging computer science principles with information science, health informatics specialists pioneer strategies to enhance patient care outcomes. Their role fosters collaboration between physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as they spearhead initiatives to refine the collection, dissemination, standardization, and integration of health data through state-of-the-art information systems. As our reliance on technology grows, this field offers a promising job outlook in the years ahead.
What Does a Health Informatics Specialist Do?
Health informatics specialists have a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Assessing and Revamping Processes: Evaluating the existing healthcare data procurement and delivery mechanisms and initiating improvements.
- System Development: Creating more streamlined and efficient healthcare information systems to optimize operations.
- Collaboration and Policy Making: Collaborating cross-functionally to elevate standards of care through improved policies and protocols.
- Training and Development: Training healthcare personnel to manage burgeoning health information systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring stringent adherence to health information system regulations.
Where Does a Health Informatics Specialist Work?
Primarily situated in hospitals, health informatics specialists also carve niches in governmental agencies, software development firms, medical equipment manufacturers, and insurance companies. Their expertise is a valuable asset, contributing to the seamless operations of these establishments.
What are the Requirements to Become a Health Informatics Specialist?
To become a health informatics specialist, many begin their journeys with a bachelor’s degree in a clinical field like nursing and then obtain a master’s degree in health informatics or health administration. There are no certifications required for health informatics specialists.
What is the Job Outlook for a Health Informatics Specialist?
While the BLS does not provide job outlook estimates for the position of health informatics specialist. Within the related field of computer and information systems managers, the BLS projects employment to grow 15% by 2032.
How Much Does a Health Informatics Specialist Make?
Salary.com estimates the average base pay for Healthcare Informatics Specialists is about $74,000 annually.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Health Informatics Specialist
4. Health and Wellness Manager
What is a Health and Wellness Manager?
Health and wellness managers are responsible for developing policies, programs, and procedures to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals or groups of people. They periodically measure the performance of their programs and report those findings to interested parties.
What Does a Health and Wellness Manager Do?
Health and wellness managers gather data to identify opportunities to improve the health of any targeted group of people. Next, they design and implement plans to accomplish those policy or program goals. If program changes are needed, the health and wellness managers will make them. The health and wellness manager then documents progress toward accomplishing program goals and reports it to the program sponsors.
Where Does a Health and Wellness Manager Work?
Health and wellness managers primarily work in an office setting, conducting research and developing health and wellness policies and programs. They will also spend time out of the office, meeting with community members targeted by their programs, program sponsors, and those who will implement the programs.
What are the Requirements to Become a Health and Wellness Manager?
At a minimum, entry-level jobs that lead to health and wellness manager positions require a bachelor’s degree. The field is much more competitive for those who wish to manage large-scale health and wellness programs. To stand out from the crowd, a master’s degree in public health will significantly enhance your credentials. Licensure and certification are optional for health and wellness managers.
What is the Job Outlook for a Health and Wellness Manager?
While the BLS does not have job outlook data specifically for health and wellness managers, they provide job outlook data for the similar position of medical and health services managers. The BLS projects employment for medical and health services managers to grow by 28% by 2032.
How Much Does a Health and Wellness Manager Make?
According to Salary.com, employee health and wellness managers earn an average annual salary* of about $105,000 and an hourly pay rate of approximately $50.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Health and Wellness Manager
3. Health and Safety Engineer
What is a Health and Safety Engineer?
Health and safety engineers combine engineering principles with health and safety best practices to develop systems and protocols that minimize the possibility of injury, illness, and property damage.
What Does a Health and Safety Engineer Do?
Health and safety engineers play a critical role in making places where we live and work safe. The scope of their work is very extensive. One day, they might inspect public buildings for potential fire and evacuation hazards. The next day, they could be reviewing chemical transportation programs and recommending improvements.
Where Does a Health and Safety Engineer Work?
The dynamic role of a Health and Safety Engineer dictates their workplace settings. Predominantly, they are seen spearheading field operations – overseeing safety equipment installations or conducting meticulous inspections. Conversely, their role also extends to office settings where extensive research unfolds or laboratories where the efficacy of safety protocols is scrutinized, establishing them as vital contributors in the occupational safety and health domain.
What are the Requirements to Become a Health and Safety Engineer?
Embarking on a career as a Health and Safety Engineer requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field as a foundational step. To carve a niche in the competitive job market, prospective engineers often pursue master’s degrees, enhancing their marketability. Licensure also forms an integral part of their professional trajectory, starting with clearing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, followed by accruing substantial work experience to qualify for the Professional Engineering exam.
Additional certifications that may prove essential for career advancement include the Certified Safety Professional certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the Certified Industrial Hygienist certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
What is the Job Outlook for a Health and Safety Engineer?
Employment prospects for health and safety engineers are expected to grow at about the same rate as all jobs in the U.S. The BLS projects employment for health and safety engineers to grow 4% by 2032.
How Much Does a Health and Safety Engineer Make?
According to the BLS, health and safety engineers earn an average salary* of about $104,000 annually or about $50 per hour.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Health and Safety Engineer
2. Medical and Health Services Manager
What is a Medical and Health Services Manager?
Medical and health services managers are high-ranking professionals who work behind the scenes to keep healthcare providers running at peak efficiency without compromising patient care. They are highly organized, detail-oriented people who must possess strong analytical skills.
What Does a Medical and Health Services Manager Do?
Medical and health services managers work with doctors, nurses, fellow administrators, as well as patients and health insurance representatives to set policies and priorities for their organizations. They are responsible for coordinating a hospital’s many operational duties and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care as cost-effectively as possible.
Where Does a Medical and Health Services Manager Work?
Hospitals, nursing homes, surgical centers, home health agencies, and other healthcare providers employ medical and health services managers. While a smaller institution may have a single medical and health services manager to oversee the entire operation, large institutions may employ multiple medical and health services managers to oversee various departments.
What are the Requirements to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager?
At a minimum, medical and health services managers are required to earn a bachelor’s degree in health administration. However, possessing a master’s degree in public health or public administration may open up additional opportunities with greater responsibilities. Depending on the workplace, like an assisted living center, some medical and health services managers may require licensure, while other medical industry sectors do not require it. Licensure requirements vary by state. Certification is not a requirement for medical and health services managers, but possessing it may increase your stature among other job applicants.
What is the Job Outlook for a Medical and Health Services Manager?
Employment prospects for medical and health services managers are outstanding. The BLS projects the employment of medical and health services managers is expected to grow 28% by 2032.
How Much Does a Medical and Health Services Manager Make?
According to the BLS, medical and health services managers can earn an average salary* of about $128,000 annually or about $61 hourly.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager
1. Natural Sciences Manager
What is a Natural Sciences Manager?
Natural sciences managers supervise teams of scientists, technicians, and researchers. They develop research strategies for these teams to follow in pursuit of organizational goals. A natural sciences manager typically has a solid working scientific background – and supporting degrees – in biology, chemistry, physics, or other life sciences.
What Does a Natural Sciences Manager Do?
A natural sciences manager is an administrative role with many responsibilities. They are responsible for determining staffing needs, evaluating team performance, budgeting project resources, establishing research protocols, designing training programs, determining scientific equipment needs, and liaising between the research teams and top management.
Where Does a Natural Sciences Manager Work?
Natural Sciences Managers spend much of their time in an office environment, but they will eventually find themselves in a laboratory. Like all managers and administrators, they will be required to meet regularly with their teams and sit in on meetings with other members of management. Natural sciences managers work in government health agencies as well as the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
What are the Requirements to Become a Natural Sciences Manager?
Most natural sciences managers start their careers with a bachelor’s degree in some scientific field and work several years as a scientist. Earning a Master of Public Health degree will prove very beneficial when applying for a job as a natural sciences manager. Whether it’s a master’s degree in a life science or a non-scientific field like public administration or business administration, either avenue will give you an advantage in your job search.
What is the Job Outlook for a Natural Sciences Manager?
Employment prospects for natural sciences managers are expected to grow. The BLS estimates that overall employment for natural sciences managers is expected to grow 5% by 2032.
How Much Does a Natural Sciences Manager Make?
According to the BLS, natural sciences managers earn an average annual salary* of about $164,000 or about $79 per hour.
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Click here to learn How to Become a Natural Sciences Manager
Start By Earning a Master of Public Health Degree
Embarking on a career in public health is often fueled by a deep, intrinsic passion for fostering healthier communities and championing wellness across expansive urban landscapes. It’s a path carved out by individuals driven by the noble cause of alleviating ailments and paving the way for a healthier tomorrow.
Indeed, financial stability and growth prospects are essential facets of career planning. However, steering your career in a direction guided by genuine passion often leads to swifter and more fulfilling success than merely chasing monetary gains. If you are someone harboring a profound desire to contribute towards the well-being of others, this sentiment will resonate profoundly with you.
To transform this aspiration into reality, your first milestone is to earn a robust academic foundation. Brookline College welcomes you to participate in its esteemed Master of Public Health program. By enrolling, you will embark on a journey that blends academic rigor with real-world applications, preparing you to be at the forefront of public health innovations and initiatives. Make the choice today to pave a path where your passion meets purpose, fostering a brighter, healthier future for communities worldwide.
