Helping people from all walks of life live well and maintain their health is usually enjoyable in a job in public health jobs. In the public health, you can encourage disease prevention, raise the quality of life, lessen the financial toll of illness, and fight to cut medical expenses. Public health jobs are rewarding, have a positive influence, and span a variety of specialties in the field of health and wellness. To assist you choose which position is best for you, in this post, we will define public health jobs and list some of the 27 highest-paying positions in the sector.
What does “highest paying public health jobs” mean?
Many of the professionally and technically demanding occupations in the public healthcare sector are in rapidly expanding specializations. Public health jobs concentrate on population-based prevention initiatives to stop illness and underlying health issues in individuals and communities before they start. The experience and educational prerequisites for positions within the healthcare sector vary, and salaries and pay for these occupations are higher than the national average.
The top 27 positions in public health
Consider working in the public health profession if you have a degree in that field or a closely connected one. To assist you in choosing which profession could be ideal for you, the top-paying positions in public health are listed below:
1. Policy manager
National average yearly salary: $106,326
Primary responsibilities: Their main responsibilities include analyzing managerial activity and making proposals for policy changes to healthcare organizations, enterprises, or governmental entities. Policy managers with public health jobs are frequently regarded as members of the management team and are well-versed in every facet of an organization’s operations, making them the ideal advisors for changes, policies, and implementation. They establish departmental timetables, schedules, and budgets and keep up with medical developments. Policy managers frequently have advanced degrees and years of experience working in the public health field.
2. Medical examiner
National average yearly salary: $56,584
Primary responsibilities: The main duties of a medical examiner or investigator are to gather and analyze the body of the deceased to determine the cause of death, whether it was due to natural causes or was the result of criminal activity. When necessary, medical examiners with public health jobs visit private residences or crime scenes as part of their investigations while working in morgues and labs. Medical investigators record their findings, present them in reports, and occasionally testify in court.
3. A director of social services
National average yearly salary: $48,492
Primary responsibilities: A social services director’s main responsibilities include identifying the health and well-being programs and services that will most benefit a community or people. Examples of such services and programs include psychological wellness initiatives, alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers, sexual and reproductive health education, and nutritional and diet advice. Social services directors with public health jobs collaborate with community figures to promote consciousness of health issues, questions, or prevention techniques. They also manage the everyday operations and tasks of staff and clients, prepare grants or handle fundraising. A social services director often works for hospitals, nursing homes, schools, charitable groups, or governmental organizations and has a degree in social work.
4. Rehabilitation coordinator
National average yearly salary: $106,985
Primary responsibilities: A rehabilitation director with public health jobs oversees a department or organization that provides rehabilitation services. They create and evaluate policies for client care services in occupational, cognitive, physical, and speech therapy, as well as rehabilitation and treatment for addiction to drugs and alcohol. Rehabilitation directors oversee and carry out client care by organizational policies and legal requirements, from everyday tasks to progress reporting.
5. Epidemiologist
National average yearly salary: $81,516
Primary responsibilities: The main responsibilities of epidemiology are to identify the demographics or groups most at risk for developing a disease, as well as to identify ways to prevent, slow down, or stop the spread of the illness. Numerous professionals in the medical industry, including doctors, veterinarians, scientists, and others, can pursue training to become epidemiologists. Although they rarely provide direct patient care, these medical experts frequently work for the government or research organizations. Epidemiologists with public health jobs look into incidents involving public health to conclude about:
- Environmental exposition
- Mortality
- Virus- and non-virus-borne illnesses
- Injuries
- Natural catastrophes
- Wars or acts of terrorism
6. Disaster recovery coordinator
National average yearly salary: $64,302
Primary responsibilities: A disaster recovery manager plans, implements, and oversees the company’s disaster recovery strategy for occurrences like earthquakes as well as additional natural disasters, while they also work with human-caused circumstances like oil spills or other major accidents. The majority of their work consists of preparation, such as estimating human risk or assessing the probability of an event and its cost. During a crisis, disaster recovery managers with public health jobs collaborate closely with hospitals, healthcare providers, and other facilities to offer medical care or triage.
7. Occupational health and safety specialist
National average yearly salary: $91,644
Primary responsibilities: Specialists in occupational safety and health with public health jobs detect and evaluate workplace health and safety problems. They remove risks that could endanger the health and safety of the organization’s staff and its management. These experts could carry out workplace inspections to check for compliance with regulations and rules in addition to creating and implementing procedures to enhance working conditions.
8. Emergency services supervisor
National average yearly salary: $70,384
Primary responsibilities: An emergency services manager oversees training for emergency personnel, volunteers, and the general public in preparation for situations like natural disaster assistance from tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, or landslides. For those harmed or impacted by calamities, they arrange for nutritious food, clean water, shelter, and medical care. Along with other safety and wellness experts, the majority of emergency services managers with public health jobs work for regional, state, or federal organizations.
9. Chief Medical Officer
National average yearly salary: $120,347
Primary responsibilities: As the leader of a nursing home, hospital, healthcare institution, or non-governmental group, a medical chief executive officer is in charge of all daily operations as well as the facility’s infrastructure and level of care. When researching and creating projects for long-term success, they take into account workforce levels, financial analyses, patient care rates, and budgets. They create connections throughout the community while defending and carrying out the organization’s goal and vision. CMOs’ public health jobs are usually both medical experts, such as doctors or nurses, and business professionals.
10. Nutritionist
National average yearly wage: $49,336
Primary responsibilities: Nutritionists study patients’ and clients’ dietary habits and personality traits to build meal plans and provide advice. Dietitians and nutritionists with public health jobs are professionals in understanding each person’s unique nutritional needs. Among the responsibilities include developing particular health objectives and collaborating with patients to keep up or enhance overall health.
11. A public health lawyer
National average yearly salary: $95,946
Primary responsibilities: A public health attorney’s main responsibilities are to develop regulations and laws that support and promote the welfare of the public while encouraging the prevention or reduction of health problems. To improve circumstances and patient outcomes, they provide guidance and act as an advocate for individuals, groups of citizens, minorities, age groups, and governmental organizations. Instead of representing clients in court, public health attorneys with public health jobs frequently spend more time working on advocacy campaigns and developing public policy.
12. Microbiologist
National average yearly salary: $66,034
Primary responsibilities: The main responsibilities of a microbiologist include research and understanding the life, growth, and interactions of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and algae. They are authorities in pathogens and frequently lay the groundwork for developing treatments and providing care. In particular, for major health catastrophes like an outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic, microbiologists with public health jobs also look into how effectively antibiotics or other therapies perform.
13. A clinical trial manager
National average yearly salary: $100,798
Primary responsibilities: Clinical trial administrators oversee and take care of the administrative activities of a clinical study evaluating new drugs, vaccines, or medical equipment to make sure they are secure and efficient. These experts frequently supervise spreadsheets, presentations, and statistics. They are very knowledgeable in science, mathematics, and computers. Clinical trial administrators with public health jobs, sometimes known as trial monitors or medical monitors, work for governmental organizations, pharmaceutical firms, and institutes engaged in medical research.
14. Environmental, health, and safety officer
National average yearly salary: $81,600
Primary responsibilities: Environmental safety and health professionals’ main responsibilities are to find environmental dangers that could result in illness or disease or contribute to it. To assess the risks to the public, they might conduct studies and gather information on pollutants or toxins. They collaborate with organizations in some positions to stop activities from hurting the environment. Officers in charge of environmental safety and health in public health jobs may also recommend secure locations for community planning.
15. Clinical nurse educator
National average yearly salary: $90,168
Primary responsibilities: These include teaching nursing classes and acting as new nurses’ mentors. They prepare lesson plans and enhance health education on a managerial level. These instructors in public health jobs instruct employees on how to follow accepted procedures to protect patients’ health and safety. Before taking on this position, the majority of clinical nurse educators had a wealth of nursing expertise.
16. Information system supervisor
National average yearly salary: $88,149
Primary responsibilities: The main responsibilities of a healthcare information system manager include planning, designing, implementing, and supervising all electronic health information, including medical and financial records, patient histories, imaging, equipment, and more. They help with upgrades or the setting up of new devices, provide support for the upkeep of antivirus programs to stop any breaches and instruct and train healthcare professionals on how to utilize the technology effectively. To effectively protect sensitive and private data utilized or maintained in healthcare technology and storage facilities, information systems administrators with public health jobs also develop budgets and medical information policies and procedures.
17. Health services administrator
National average yearly salary: $71,677
Primary responsibilities: Health services administrators supervise and oversee a variety of medical facilities. Administrators of health services with public health jobs may also be in charge of each department’s specific responsibilities. They can manage operations related to healthcare and organize medical services in both the public and private sectors. Budget management, facility policy creation, and staff member supervision are among the responsibilities.
18. Public health educator
National average hourly wage: $19.57
Primary responsibilities: A public health educator with public health jobs instructs populations on ways to advance well-being. They frequently offer advice on subjects like diet and exercise. To ascertain the community’s health needs and develop policies that enhance practices, public health educators gather data. To promote safe practices, certain health educators might collaborate primarily with medical professionals.
19. Medical writer
National average yearly salary: $116,692
Primary responsibilities: A medical writer conducts research, makes, and produces an array of health-related papers, including academic documents, instructional or commercial literature, manuscripts and abstracts for health-related journals, or articles for websites, newspapers, or magazines that are focused on healthcare. They participate in all phases of writing, including research, data analysis, formatting, first drafts, peer reviews, and editing for assignments and publications. Medical writers with public health jobs frequently have backgrounds in the sciences or health and communication degrees.
20. Manager of health and wellness
National average yearly salary: $52,803
Primary responsibilities: Managers of health and wellness are responsible for directing the creation of strategies for organizations including businesses, educational institutions, and hospitals. Managers of health and wellness in public health jobs carry out programs and report outcomes. Additionally, they might research to determine the effectiveness of ongoing health initiatives and teach classes on health education.
21. Manager of emergency response
National average yearly salary: $64,022
Primary responsibilities: These include providing first responders and the general population with emergency planning. Emergency response managers with public health jobs assess local emergency preparation and might support the creation of plans for disaster response. Before, during, and after an emergency, these experts may be in charge of directing the community response. Writing grant applications is yet another typical task for emergency preparedness managers.
22. Communications Assistant
National average yearly salary: $45,321
Primary responsibilities: An associate in public health communications is primarily responsible for educating, inspiring, and influencing groups of individuals and entities about critical health issues and effective preventative measures. They frequently handle all facets of communication both internally and externally to employees or the public when working in corporate communications in healthcare organizations, hospitals, or other institutions. Communication associates in public health jobs create and implement communication and marketing strategies for use in digital, print, social, and broadcast media.
23. Water treatment expert
National average yearly salary: $57,717
Primary responsibilities: An environmental science and preservation specialist and a water treatment specialist conducts lab and field experiments to monitor and examine water pollution or cleanliness. Water treatment experts with public health jobs deal with the preservation and distribution of potable water for use by the general population as well as the installation and operation of water purification equipment. Water treatment professionals frequently work for the municipal, state, or federal governments and keep an eye on meters and operational controls, as well as measure and record usage or contamination rates.
24. Vaccine researcher
National average yearly salary: $73,406
Primary responsibilities: Vaccine researchers employ science to develop drugs that fight disease. To investigate the immune system of the body, researchers may collaborate with physicians, clinical laboratory technicians, medical researchers, or microbiologists. To stop outbreaks, scientists with public health jobs research new drugs and enhance vaccines. Many vaccination researchers also hold degrees in chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry in addition to their public health degrees.
25. Public health nurse
National average yearly salary: $67,145.
Primary responsibilities: Public health nurses design wellness programs and provide clinical treatment to enhance community health. In places where there are inadequate services, nurses frequently work to improve access to healthcare. Public health nurses with public health jobs work to improve access to healthcare while serving the community. While some medical centers will hire public health nurses with a high school diploma or equivalent, many nurses pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing to expand their work options.
26. A dietician
National average yearly salary: $47,404
Primary responsibilities: A dietitian is a nutritionist who knows what a person should eat. To develop nutritious meal plans that meet a client’s needs, such as weight loss or growth, diabetes control, or cholesterol reduction, they examine the dietary habits of both kids and adults. Dietitians offer guidance for overall health and describe how diet and nutrition are crucial components of a healthy way of life. Many dietitians possess a bachelor’s degree or above and are employed in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or physician’s offices.
27. Statistician
National average yearly salary: $98,519
Primary responsibilities: A statistician’s main responsibilities include using mathematical and statistical techniques to investigate, interpret, and plan various elements of public health, ecology, or medicine. To find trends for public health problems like epidemics, diseases, rates of illness, or mortality, they decide on what kind and size of sampling population to survey. A master’s degree is typically required for statisticians who work in laboratories for governmental organizations or pharmaceutical firms.
Salary and job prospect for Public Health Jobs
Public health jobs encompass a wide range of roles and responsibilities, and as such, salary and job prospects can vary depending on the specific position and location. However, the field of public health is generally known for offering competitive salaries and strong job prospects.
In terms of salary, public health professionals can expect to earn a median annual wage that is higher than the average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for health educators and community health workers was $48,140 as of May 2020, while epidemiologists earned a median annual wage of $74,560.
Job prospects in the field of public health are promising. The demand for public health professionals is expected to grow in the coming years due to various factors, including an aging population, increased focus on preventive healthcare, and ongoing public health challenges such as infectious diseases and chronic illnesses. The BLS projects a 13% growth rate for health educators and community health workers from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, epidemiologists are projected to experience a 5% growth rate during the same period.
The job prospects in public health are influenced by factors such as education, experience, specialization, and geographic location. Advanced degrees, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a doctoral degree, can enhance career opportunities and open doors to higher-level positions. Specializations within public health, such as environmental health, global health, or health policy, can also provide unique job prospects.
Moreover, the demand for public health professionals can vary across different regions and settings. Urban areas and metropolitan regions often have more job opportunities, particularly in government agencies, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Public health professionals can also find employment opportunities in research institutions, universities, consulting firms, and international organizations.
Overall, public health jobs offer competitive salaries and strong job prospects. The field is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by various factors, including the need for preventive healthcare, the aging population, and ongoing public health challenges. With the right education, experience, and specialization, individuals pursuing a career in public health can find rewarding and impactful opportunities in a variety of settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, public health jobs play a vital role in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities. These careers offer opportunities to make a meaningful impact on society by addressing public health challenges, implementing preventive measures, and advocating for healthier lifestyles. Public health professionals work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, healthcare organizations, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations. With the growing demand for public health expertise and the increasing focus on population health, the field offers strong job prospects and competitive salaries. Whether in the areas of epidemiology, health education, environmental health, or policy, public health professionals have the opportunity to contribute to the greater good and improve the overall health of communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about public health jobs
- What is the job outlook for public health careers?
The job outlook for public health careers is generally positive. The demand for public health professionals is expected to grow as there is an increasing focus on preventive healthcare, population health management, and the need to address complex health issues. This growth is driven by factors such as an aging population, the rise of chronic diseases, global health challenges, and the need for public health interventions in various settings.
- What are some standard job titles in the field of public health?
Common job titles in public health include epidemiologist, health educator, environmental health specialist, biostatistician, public health nurse, community health worker, health policy analyst, health administrator, and public health researcher. These roles cover a wide range of responsibilities and specializations, allowing individuals to pursue diverse career paths within the field.
- What qualifications and skills are required for a career in public health?
Qualifications for public health jobs vary depending on the specific role and level of responsibility. However, many positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field. Advanced degrees, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), are often preferred for higher-level positions. Additionally, skills such as data analysis, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and cultural competence are important in the field of public health.
- What are the salary ranges for public health professionals?
Salary ranges for public health professionals can vary depending on factors such as job title, level of education and experience, geographic location, and the employing organization. Entry-level positions in public health may have salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, while mid-level positions can range from $60,000 to $80,000 or more. Senior-level and managerial positions can have salaries exceeding $100,000 per year. It’s important to note that salaries may differ based on the specific job and the industry or sector in which the public health professional works.
- What are the opportunities for career advancement in public health?
Public health offers various opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. Professionals can advance their careers by gaining specialized knowledge, pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining professional certifications, and accumulating experience in different areas of public health. Advancements can include moving into managerial or leadership roles, taking on research or policy positions, working in international health settings, or even transitioning into academia or consulting. Continuous learning, networking, and staying updated with emerging trends and technologies in the field are essential for career progression in public health.