Public health is about prevention, protection, and the kind of public policy that ensures those things happen; about reducing both human suffering and the impact that natural and manmade disasters have on people. Public health is about improving the quality of life for everyone by ensuring people have access to basic health services and resources, and the knowledge they need to live healthy, productive lives. While the field of public health is vast and includes a large number of disciplines, they all share a common purpose: to protect the health of individuals and communities. It’s a field with a long legacy of making impactful contributions, but with the 2020 outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, it was thrust into the spotlight and is expected to maintain a whole new level of prominence forever.
Public health professionals at the highest levels are focused on everything from public information campaigns designed to promote healthy behaviors, to building and maintaining public health infrastructure through community clinics and other resources, to research and survey work to better determine what services are needed for different communities and populations. With the public health professional community largely comprised of skilled professionals with the Master of Public Health (MPH) on their resume, top-level public health scientists, researchers, practitioners, educators, and policymakers enjoy outstanding professional opportunities and salaries that reflect their advanced level of education and expertise.
Maybe it’s issues related to climate change, gun violence, health equity, maternal and child health, emergency preparedness, or another important issue that’s sparked your interest in the field. Whatever drives you to want to make a difference, an MPH with the right concentration is the educational path that can lead you to any number of high-paying jobs in the field.
There is a number of exciting career choices open to you with an MPH Degree with a concentration that lines right up with your career goals. You can see 10+ Online MPH Options right here! Do you need to brush up on your skill set? Interested in learning more about a particular field? Try comparing our monster list of 200+ free Online Public Health Courses & Training options.
Keep reading to learn more about some of today’s hottest careers in public health and the salaries that accompany them:
The following salary statistics were provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
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Is a career in public health right for me?
People with various jobs in the public health industry describe their positions.
#1 Epidemiologist
In the COVID era, epidemiology is typically associated with tracking and understanding the spread of communicable disease, and those sorts of diseases are most certainly of primary concern to epidemiologists, but it’s actually not limited to that alone. In broad-stroke terms, it’s the study of any public health-related event or condition and how they impact different populations. Epidemiologists are responsible for investigating current public health events and their effect on the public. They’re often referred to “disease detectives” because they aren’t holed up in a laboratory somewhere; they’re actually on location, at the site of the public health threat. Their work helps everyone from physicians to policymakers better understand the cause of such events, their risk to people, and how to prevent them from occurring again. Just some of the contemporary topics epidemiologists study include environmental exposure to toxins like lead and air pollutants…domestic violence rates in certain populations…natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires…and, of course, infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Epidemiologists earn a median salary of $74,560, with the the top 10% in the field earning more than $126,040. In scientific research and development services, they earn an average salary of $110,490, while those in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing companies earn an average of $114,050.
2020 salary data for Epidemiologists reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#2 Disaster and Emergency Specialist
Disaster and emergency specialists assemble disaster response plans and train other professionals on the best ways to respond to emergencies and disasters. Many of these specialists work for state and federal governmental agencies, including the U.S. military.
Disaster and emergency specialists (categorized by the BLS as emergency management directors) earn a median salary of $76,250, with the top 10% in the field earning more than $142,870. The federal government remains the top-paying industry among disaster and emergency specialists, reporting a mean, annual salary of $162,930.
2020 salary data for Emergency Management Directors reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#3 Natural Science Manager
Natural science managers keep scientific research programs and initiatives moving along in the most effective, efficient fashion. Natural science managers are responsible for assembling the team of research professionals and assistants, overseeing the budget of the program, monitoring the progress of the research, and working closely with executives and researchers to develop goals and strategies.
Natural sciences managers earn a median salary of $137,940, while those in the top 10% earn more than $208,000. Grantmaking foundations supporting charitable activities are the highest paying industry for natural sciences managers, reporting an average, annual salary of $198,050.
2020 salary data for Natural Science Managers reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#4 Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses focus on population health, which includes the promotion of health and the prevention of diseases and disability. Public health nurses which, according to the Association of Public Health Nurses, comprise the largest segment of the professional public health workforce, provide care in settings like public health departments, schools, homes, community health centers, clinics, correctional facilities, and more. Their work includes determining the healthcare needs of a population and planning and implementing interventions and activities that contribute to the population’s health and the prevention of illness, injury, disability, and premature death.
The median salary for a public health nurse (categorized by the BLS as RNs) is $75,330.
2020 salary data for Registered Nurses reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
See more public health opportunities for nurses.
#5 Water Quality Planner
Water quality specialists study water ecosystems like rivers and estuaries, as well as manmade water systems like wastewater treatment plants and drinking water supplies. These environmental specialists often focus on specific efforts such as the protection of coastal waters, the management of watersheds, and other ecosystem protection efforts. Their work largely involves studying water systems, performing scientific studies, and writing reports that are used by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies.
At the federal level, water quality specialists work for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Water quality specialists (categorized by the BLS as environmental scientists and specialists, including health) earn a median salary of $73,230, while the top 10% in this profession earn more than $129,450.
2020 salary data for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#6 Healthcare Manager
Healthcare managers (also referred to healthcare administrators) oversee hospitals, medical facilities, and even entire healthcare systems to ensure their efficient, effective, and cost-effective operation. It’s up to healthcare managers to ensure the healthcare facility they oversee is properly staffed, is meeting specific operational goals, and is staying within budget.
Healthcare managers earn a median annual salary of $104,280, with the top earners in the profession (top 10%) earning more than $195,630. The largest employer of healthcare managers are general medical and surgical hospitals, with an average salary of $127,330. The highest-paying industry for this profession is pharmaceutical manufacturing, with a reported average salary of $205,470.
2020 salary data for Medical and Health Services Managers reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#7 Public Health Educator
Public health educators develop public health campaigns and programs designed to address specific health and safety issues within certain populations. While their title suggests they educate the public directly, these public health professionals operate more at an administrative level, collecting information and developing programs that are implemented by federal, state, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private companies.
Public health educators (categorized by the BLS as health education specialists) earn a median salary of $56,500. Large employers of public health educators include general medical and surgical hospitals, state and local governmental agencies, and social advocacy organizations.
2020 salary data for Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#8 Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental health scientists study how environmental factors affect human health and disease. They seek to understand what happens to our bodies and our health when chemicals, pollutants, stress, mold, or other triggers are introduced. These scientists spend much of their time in the field, observing and collecting samples, which are then analyzed and used to promote policies, legislation, regulation, and environmental protection efforts.
Environmental health scientists (categorized by the BLS as environmental scientists and specialists, including health) earn a median salary of $73,230. The top 10% in this profession earn more than $129,450. Some of the top-paying states for environmental health scientists, according to mean, annual salary, include Washington D.C. ($116,120), California ($94,880), Massachusetts ($91,410), and Virginia ($87,360).
2020 salary data for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#9 Biostatistican
Biostatistics is a branch of statistics focused on medical and health applications; therefore, biostatisticians focus on applying mathematical and scientific methods to determine the causes of diseases and injuries related to public health. Their work helps identify public health trends in communities and populations. While biostatistics is often mistaken for epidemiology, these two fields are quite distinct. Epidemiologists provide the data needed to study diseases in populations, while biostatisticians provide the methodologies used by epidemiologists in their investigations and research.
Biostatisticians (categorized as statisticians by the BLS) earn an annual average salary of $92,270, while those in the top 10% in this profession earn an average salary of $150,840. Some of the industries with the highest employment levels for biostatisticians include scientific research and development companies, where the average salary is $106,980 and federal government agencies, where they earn an average of $115,270.
2020 salary data for Mathematicians and Statisticians reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#10 Infection Preventionist
Infection preventionists are public health professionals who oversee the medical staff of a healthcare facility to ensure that all medical professionals are taking the proper precautions to prevent infection and the spread of infectious diseases. Many times, observation is an important part of this job, as these professionals must observe practices and look for patterns of infection within the facility. They also gather and analyze infection data and partner with local public health agencies to develop policies and procedures.
Infection preventionists (categorized as occupational health and safety specialists by the BLS) earn a median salary of $76,340 with the top 10% in the field earning more than $112,850. The top-paying states in the nation for this profession include Washington D.C. ($95,410), Rhode Island ($95,960), and California ($93,900).
2020 salary data for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#11 Public Health Consultant
Public health consultants provide consulting services to state and local public health officials and other healthcare providers. Their work includes reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness of the programs and services they offer. Some of the programs they analyze include maternal and child health, substance abuse services and programs, health screening, and health education.
Healthcare consultants (categorized by the BLS as management analysts) earn a median salary of $87,660, with the top 10% earning $156,840.
2020 salary data for Management Analysts reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#12 Public Health Nutritionist
Public health nutritionists develop nutrition programs, systems, and policies designed to improve or maintain the health of specific groups or populations. Their work often involves creating and implementing programs that help change behavior, attitudes, and knowledge about nutrition to improve health outcomes.
Nutritionists working for government agencies in a public health setting earn a median salary of $64,010. Top-paying states for nutritionists, according to annual, mean salary, include California ($81,070), Texas ($59,190), New York ($70,070), and Pennsylvania ($60,180).
2020 salary data for Dietitians and Nutritionists reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#13 Health Policy Analyst
Health policy analysts research and track changes in public health, prepare written briefs and journal articles, and track pending legislation. Everyone from nonprofit organizations to trade associations to think tanks to healthcare delivery systems rely on the work of health policy analysts to make critical decisions.
Health policy analysts (categorized as market research analysts by the BLS) earn a median salary of $65,810. The top earners in the profession (top 10%) is $127,410.
2020 salary data for Market Research Analysts reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#14 Biomedical Researcher
Biomedical researchers examine ways to prevent and treat diseases that cause illness and death in people. The ultimate goal of biomedical researchers is to develop effective treatments, therapies, and cures. Biomedical researchers use clinical trials to study the effectiveness, usefulness, and safety of the interventions they develop.
Biomedical researchers (categorized as medical scientists by the BLS) earn a median salary of $91,510, with the top 10% in the profession earning an average, annual salary of $164,650. Some of the popular industries in which biomedical researchers work include medical and diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, scientific research and development companies, and colleges and universities.
2020 salary data for Medical Scientists reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#15 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Occupational health and safety specialists gather data, conduct tests, perform measurements, and learn as much as they can about a work environment in order to make recommendations designed to reduce hazards and protect the health of workers, people, and/or the environment. Their work also includes ensuring that companies are adhering to local, state, and federal regulations.
Occupational health and safety specialists earn a median salary of $76,340 with the top 10% in the field earning an average salary of $112,850.
2020 salary data for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#16 Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical research coordinators are specialized research professionals who are responsible for directing the work within clinical trials. Clinical research coordinators manage and direct the daily activities of the clinical trial under the direction of the clinical principal investigator.
Clinical research coordinators (categorized by BLS as medical scientists in scientific research and development services) earn an average salary of $110,540.
2020 salary data for Medical Scientists reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#17 Research Assistant
Research assistants collect and analyze data, maintain records, analyze survey and trial data, and prepare detailed reports. Research assistants in public health help researchers study diseases, illnesses and environmental problems that have an impact upon public health.
Research assistants (categorized by BLS as clinical laboratory technologists and technicians) earn a median salary of $54,180. The industry with the most jobs for these professionals is general medical and surgical hospitals, where they earn an average of $57,610.
2020 salary data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#18 Nonprofit Coordinator
Nonprofit coordinators oversee the public health projects of nonprofit organizations, private companies, and federal agencies. Their work may include leading a campaign to help fight childhood obesity or to raise awareness for domestic violence or designing a public health initiative aimed at emergency preparedness, air pollution, or COVID-19.
Nonprofit coordinators (categorized by BLS as social and community service managers) earn a median salary of $69,600. The top-paying states for nonprofit coordinators, according to mean, annual salary, include New Jersey ($92,370), New York ($89,870), Delaware ($84,990), and Rhode Island ($97,610).
2020 salary data for Social and Community Service Managers reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#19 Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit executive directors hold a similar role as CEOs in private corporations. These top-level executives, who work alongside the board of directors, are responsible for articulating the vision and mission of the nonprofit through fundraising, financial management, recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers, and industry/legal compliance.
Nonprofit executive directors (categorized by BLS as general operations managers in grant making and giving services) earn an average salary of $146,710.
2020 salary data for General and Operations Managers in Grantmaking and Giving Services reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#20 Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community services managers work for nonprofit and governmental agencies to collect statistics on specific public health programs and initiatives to ensure their effectiveness. The information they gather and evaluate is then used by the organization to measure the impact that their efforts had on their intended target audience.
Social and community service managers earn a median salary of $69,600, with the top 10% earning more than $115,800. Social and community service managers working for local government agencies earn an average of $92,020… in grantmaking and giving services they earn an average of $95,920…and in individual and family services organizations the average salary is $69,200.
2020 salary data for Social and Community Service Managers reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for all occupations listed reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2021.
