Pursuing a career in the public health field is an ideal way to access high wages and help society improve its overall well being. Which is why we compiled a list of the top 50 public health jobs.
A variety of jobs in public health are available in the larger field, and public health attracts professionals who have a wide range of educational credentials. It doesn’t matter if you work as a physician, a nurse or a manager, plenty of jobs in public health allow you to earn money while reducing the effects of illness and disease.
Is A Career In Public Health Right For You ?
When deciding upon a career in public health it is necessary to do research about the availability, salary and types of jobs in public health. We’ve put together a truly exhaustive list of the top careers in public health to help you decide whether this career path is right for you. The world needs public health professionals and the amount of diversity in the opportunities available with a public health degree is truly outstanding.
Bookmark this resource, and share it with other students, and friends. The world needs people who want to make a positive change. And the field of public health is a growing one with long term stability, as well as a huge positive impact.
Here are the Top 50 Public Health Jobs:
Public Health Doctor
A public health doctor works to provide quality medical care to the general public. Professionals may teach local health classes, conduct routine research or work in a managerial capacity. Some public health physicians work directly with patients and may be responsible for diagnosing a wide variety of illnesses and health problems. In addition to diagnosing diseases, a public health physician may work to enhance the general public’s knowledge base, and, as such, they may be considered preventive medicine doctors.
Daily Working Conditions
Public health doctors may find employment in a wide range of settings. The physicians may land a career working for a government agency, at a university, in a hospital or at a public health facility. Many professionals split their time between office work and duties at a local medical establishment.
Education Credentials Required
As a physician, a public health doctor needs to have a medical degree from an accredited university. Some physicians also boost their education with a master’s degree in public health or a related field.
Salary Potential and Career Opportunities
The salary for a public health physician varies with the geographical area where a person finds employment. A professional can expect to earn an outstanding salary that ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 annually. With a growing demand, public health doctors are sure to find plenty of opportunities to put their skills and training to use in a practical setting.
Tropical Disease Expert
A tropical disease expert works to help prevent the transmission of tropical diseases. Because outbreaks pose a serious danger to the general public, a tropical disease specialist can help keep the public safe and ensure that outbreaks are reduced.
Typical Work Day
A tropical disease specialist may work in the field and spend time examining patients who have been traveling or living abroad. Daily working conditions may also occur in the lab where a professional needs to analyze tissue samples and work to find vaccines and ways in which to prevent the spread of outbreaks.
Educational Requirements
Tropical disease experts usually have a medical degree, and they may need to acquire specialized knowledge about the transmission, cause and spread of tropical illnesses. During medical school, a person who is interested in working as a tropical disease specialist may take courses that provide detailed information about public health hazards.
Employment Opportunities and Salary Potential
Salaries for a tropical disease expert are high, and a professional can expect to earn up to $190,000 per year. Entry-level salaries are usually at least $115,000. A specialist may work in large urban areas, and governmental agencies are one of the leading employers.
HIV Specialist
HIV specialists work with people who have been infected or diagnosed with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The professionals are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of HIV, and a person may work with the public to help prevent the disease’s transmission.
Usual Working Conditions
A HIV specialist may work in a hospital or in a doctor’s office. Some professionals may also spend some of their working days in the field, so they can help prevent the further spread of HIV.
Education Credentials Required
An HIV specialist will need to earn a medical degree, and the special award is usually only provided to a professional who has completed continuing education credits on the topic of HIV.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
With an outstanding salary range, an HIV specialist can expect to earn anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 per year. The salary depends on a person’s work experience, geographical area and the type of employer. HIV specialists who work in the public sector can expect to earn a median salary of about $175,000 per year. The growth rates for HIV specialists is expected to be average in comparison with other fields.
Medical Director
A medical director is responsible for the daily operations of a large medical center. They may be expected to employ preventive measures that reduce the transmission of illness in a facility. In addition, a medical director may work to improve air quality in offices, factories or other professional settings.
Typical Working Environment
Medical directors may find employment in an industrial or office setting. Daily work responsibilities may include reading reports, working with architects, holding regular meetings and discussing concerns with a company’s employees.
Education Requirements
A medical director needs to have a medical degree, and a professional will usually have at least a decade of experience in the medical field. In addition, a medical director may need to have a specialty under their belt and board certification can enhance an applicant’s resumé.
Salary Potential and Job Outlook
Salaries for a medical director are high and may range between $120,000 and $236,000 annually. Demand for medical directors is high, and positions are readily available in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, insurance and biotechnology industries.
Management Policy Advisor
A management policy advisor analyzes activities and offers insight into the operations of corporate, governmental and non-profit agencies. The professionals are usually a member of an organization’s executive team.
Typical Working Day
Management policy advisors usually find employment in an office setting, and they may work for a private company, a health organization or a governmental agency. Advisors need to know the intimate details about their employees, and they may travel to ensure that policies are in place at a host of individual locations.
Educational Requirements
A management policy advisor is expected to have an advanced degree in the public health field, and most have extensive experience in the field. A master’s of business administration is usually the bare minimum, and many advisors have graduated from medical school.
Salary Potential and Demand
The salary for a management policy advisor ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 per year. Professionals are needed to work for the federal government and private corporations. Individuals who work in the private field usually earn more. The field is expected to enjoy increased demand over the next decade, keeping wages high and opportunities abundant.
Public Health Veterinarian
A public health veterinarian works to monitor and prevent the transmission of human and animal diseases. A professional may work for a hospital, the federal government or a local governmental agency. Public health veterinarians may act as epidemiologists, pathologists or researchers. Because many animal diseases are easily transmitted to humans, a public health veterinarian plays a crucial role in maintaining public health and awareness. A professional may monitor farms and processing plants that provide humans with foods that are derived from animals.
Usual Working Day
A public health veterinarian may find employment in a laboratory, a clinic or in an outdoor setting. The professionals are expected to perform a variety of duties, and travel may be required as part of the job.
Educational Requirements
A public health veterinarian is expected to hold a doctor of veterinary medicine degree and a master’s degree in public health.
Salary Potential and Outlook
Salaries vary for public health veterinarians, and a professional can expect to earn from $100,000 to $150,000 per year. Demand is expected to grow higher over the coming decade, and this should keep salaries high while creating more opportunities for trained professionals.
Public Health Lawyer
Public health lawyers may work to draft policy that aims to improve general health. As such, an attorney may find employment with national, state or local legislatures. Public health lawyers may also advocate for patients and work to balance patients’ rights against the public good. Some attorney also pursue lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and other groups that violate generally accepted care standards.
Routine Working Environment
Many public health lawyers work from an independent office, or they may find a job within a governmental agency. Because lawyers may have to testify or file suits, they may often spend time in the courts.
Educational Requirements
A public health lawyer must graduate from an accredited law school and have a license to practice law in a state or federal jurisdiction. In addition, having a degree in public health can help to increase a public health lawyer’s career opportunities.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The salary for a public health lawyer varies and usually ranges between $54,000 and $164,000 per year. The total salary depends on the geographical area in which a professional works and the amount of experience that an attorney has earned. The growth rates for public health attorneys is expected to be average.
Public Health Dentist
A public health dentist works to protect the community and provides knowledge, education and services for the general public. A dentist may work at a local clinic or in a community dental program. Some public health dentists create policy and inform the general public about the role of good oral hygiene.
Routine Working Day
Many public health dentists work in a clinic. Some need to spend a majority of their time in meetings, and they may find employment in health centers, private or public clinics or universities.
Educational Credentials
Public health dentists usually have a doctoral degree in dental medicine or surgery. A professional is also expected to have a valid license to practice in the state in which they work. In addition, a public health dentist may be required to hold a master’s degree in the public health field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
Public health dentists can earn between $30,000 and $250,000 per year. Senior practitioners can expect to earn more, and those who are new to the field will usually have a salary on the lower end of the spectrum. The demand for professionals is expected to grow much more than the average for other occupations.
Director of Family Health
A director of family health is usually in charge of overseeing the daily operations of a public health center. A person may be expected to manage all aspects of a facility, like finances and human resources. In addition, a director of family health may play a crucial role in the long-term planning of a particular facility.
Routine Working Day
A director of family health may work in the public or private sector. Usually, directors spend a large portion of their day in an office setting, and they may need to communicate between various members within an organization.
Educational Requirements
A director of family health is expected to have a master’s degree in public health. Because the position is a managerial one, a director may also need to have several years of experience in the field. Many professionals have an advanced nursing degree or have graduated from medical school.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The earning potential for a director of family health largely depends on the geographical area in which a person works and the size of an agency where a person finds employment. Salaries are high, and they may range from $70,000 to $125,000 annually. The demand for experienced professionals is high, but only a few vacancies are announced each year.
Public Health Engineer
A public health engineer works to create a safe environment for employees. A person may be expected to make sure that machinery, infrastructure and equipment are designed in a way that reduces the chances of injury, infection or illness.
Routine Working Environment
A public health engineer may spend much of their day working in an office environment. Because meetings are an essential component of the job, a public health engineer may need to travel and meet with other leaders in the field.
Educational Requirements
The minimal education to enter the field is a bachelor’s degree in the engineering field, and many professionals have advanced degrees in mechanical or chemical engineering.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The earning power of a public health engineer varies according to the area in which a person works, their years of experience and the amount of education that a person has earned. Entry-level salaries may be $45,500, and a professional who has been in the field for some years can expect to earn up to $114,470 per year. The demand for trained professionals is expected to be the same as most other occupations.
Health Center Administrator
A health care administrator is in charge of the management of a healthcare facility. Some professionals work as a general manager, and others oversee the particular duties of an individual department within a larger setting.
Routine Working Day
Nearly 40 percent of health care administrators find employment at area hospitals. Others may work in nursing homes, large doctor’s offices or at public or private clinics. A health center administrator usually works at least 40 hours per week and may be expected to work extra hours during the weekend or on holidays.
Educational Requirements
A health center administrator must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but most professionals who work in the field have their master’s degree in public health or business administration. Experience is another crucial component, and some health center administrators have worked for years in the field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The average annual health center administrator salary is about $84,270. The top 10 percent of professionals who hold the position is $144,880, and the bottom 10 percent can expect to earn about $51,280. The demand for experienced administrators is expected to grow by more than 22 percent in the coming decade, keeping wages high and ensuring plenty of career opportunities.
Industrial Hygienist
An industrial hygienist is an engineer or a scientist who works to reduce the risks of health dangers in the workplace. Professionals may conduct research about potential hazards and create strategies that aim to reduce the risks that are associated with particular situations. As such, an industrial hygienist may train employees and work to create a greater awareness about health hazards on the job.
Routine Working Day
An industrial hygienist may spend a large amount of time in an office setting, but professionals may be required to travel and check facilities to ensure compliance. A hygienist may also need to conduct research and spend some time in a laboratory setting.
Educational Requirements
An industrial hygienist will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering or chemistry. Professionals will also be expected to pass examinations that highlight the knowledge that has been learned during school. Some professionals can substitute their on-the-job experience for formal education.
Salary Potential and Career Opportunities
The average industrial hygienist salary is high and varies from $45,000 to $114,000 annually. The total salary depends on the years of experience, the geographical location where a person works and the amount of education that an applicant has. The demand for experienced professionals is expected to grow in accordance with average levels over the coming decade.
State or Federal Environmentalist
A state or federal environmentalist plays a primary role in public health because they identify environmental threats that may cause disease or illness. Professionals may collect data and perform research on various pollutants and toxins that pose a threat to the general public. A state or federal environmentalist may also play a role in future planning and help to create a safe place for families to live.
Routine Working Day
Environmentalists may experience a wide range of working conditions. Many professionals spend a large portion of their day in a laboratory where they perform research on various hazards. Others may need to work in an office setting and draft regulations that aim to improve public health.
Educational Requirements
A state or federal environmentalist needs to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, like chemistry or biology. In some instances, it is helpful to have an advanced degree.
Salary Potential and Career Opportunities
Environmentalists can expect to earn a rewarding salary and may earn from $40,000 to $107,000 annually. The growth rate for state or federal environmentalists is expected to be high in the coming decade, providing plenty of opportunities for new candidates to enter the field.
Director of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
An NGO director is responsible for overseeing the managerial aspects of an organization. A professional may need to create budgets, and professionals are generally passionate about the health of the community in which they work.
Routine Working Day
An NGO director may work in an international setting and find employment in places around the globe. Professionals are expected to take part in the community that they serve, and travel may be a regular part of the job.
Educational Requirements
Most NGO directors have at least a bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts or the social sciences. Many professionals have advanced degrees and may have a master’s degree in public health. In addition, working experience is an essential attribute of those who are in a managerial position.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The earning potential for an NGO director varies according to the geographical area in which a person finds employment. Those who work in large cities, like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago can expect to receive higher wages, while professionals who work abroad may receive annual salaries that are on the lower end of the spectrum. The current salaries range from $64,000 to more than $100,000 per year. The outlook for NGO directors is average.
Public Health Professor
A public health professor may have a huge impact on the field because they teach future employees. A professor may lecture, grade papers and create material for courses.
Routine Working Day
A public health professor can expect to find employment at one of the many private or public universities or colleges.
Educational Requirements
Public health professors are expected to have a doctoral degree, but some may be employed in community colleges after earning a master’s degree in the field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A public health professor salary ranges from $40,000 to more than $100,000 annually. The region where a person work is one factor to consider, and those who are employed at private institutions usually have higher wages than those who work for public colleges. The future outlook is bright, and a professor can expect to have access to abundant opportunities in the coming future.
Behavioral Scientist
A behavioral scientist is a broad field that may include social neuroscientists, psychologists and cognitive psychologists. Professionals work to improve public health by studying the manner in which individuals interact with each other. As such, a behavioral scientist may create studies or perform research that helps individuals address mental health problems.
Routine Working Day
Nearly 34 percent of behavioral scientists are self employed in an individual practice. Many are psychologists who work with the public on a daily basis. Almost 30 percent of behavioral scientists work for schools and address issues that students confront on a regular basis.
Educational Requirements
A behavioral scientists is expected to have at least a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field. Some professionals enter the field with a master’s degree and may work as a clinical social worker.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
Behavioral scientists can expect to receive above-average wages, and the median salary in 2010 was about $68,640. The top 10 percent who work in the field earned more than $111,810 per year. Growth in the field is expected to be slightly above average over the next decade.
Mental Health Researcher
A mental health researcher works to understand how people interact with each other and the environment. As such, a mental health researcher may work to prevent mental health conditions and ensure that the community is protected from others.
Routine Working Day
A mental health researcher may conduct research and experiments. Many researchers work directly with community groups to address the impact of mental illness on society.
Educational Requirements
A mental health researcher usually has a master’s degree, but most professionals who work in the field have a doctoral degree or a medical degree.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A mental health researcher salary is high, and it usually ranges from $54,000 to more than $110,000 per year. The total wages are usually based on the years of experience and the particular employer.
Outcomes Researcher
An outcomes researcher studies public health programs and works to see if the evidence supports the practice. Professionals analyze treatments and work to understand if patients improve their total quality of life. An outcomes researcher is expected to collect and analyze data and present their findings to boards and shareholders.
Routine Working Day
An outcomes researcher usually works in an office setting and may find employment in a local hospital or in a public-health facility. Professionals may also work extensively with computers to document and analyze their findings.
Educational Requirements
An outcomes researcher needs to understand modern medical practice and the various public health issues. Most professionals have a doctoral degree in public health or epidemiology.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
Usually, an outcomes researcher is classified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as a scientist or a statistician. Salaries are high for the occupation and run from $85,000 to more than $134,000 per year. The demand is increasing, so opportunities should be abundant in the coming years.
Vaccine Researcher
A vaccine researcher may be employed in a wide variety of positions. The field usually requires that a host of different professionals work together, and vaccine research includes medical doctors, clinical lab technicians, medical scientists and microbiologists. The researchers are responsible for improving vaccines and creating new ones that can prevent viral outbreaks.
Routine Working Day
Most professional vaccine researchers work in a laboratory, and they may be employed by a wide variety of organizations. Some professionals work in the pharmaceutical industry, and others work for universities or hospitals. The exact duties are various and are based on the particular research that is taking place.
Educational Requirements
A vaccine researcher is expected to have a doctoral degree, and many professionals graduate from medical school. Some employers mandate that applications have a medical degree and a doctoral degree in chemistry or biology.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A vaccine researcher salary is high, and most professionals earn between $41,560 and $142,800 annually. The growth rate is among the highest in the nation, and demand is expected to increase by nearly 36 percent over the next decade.
Bioterrorism Researcher
A bioterrorism researcher may work closely with federal and state agencies to identify potential hazards. As such, a researcher may need to understand diseases and know how to treat a variety of different toxins and diseases. The professionals are expected to analyze the possibility that terrorists will use a particular biological agent as part of an attack.
Routine Working Day
A bioterrorism researcher is often employed in a laboratory setting, and most work for governmental agencies. Some researchers find employment in private labs or in university settings.
Educational Requirements
Bioterrorism researchers usually hold a doctorate in immunology, genetics, virology or microbiology. Most professionals have dual degrees and may hold a master’s degree in the public health field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlooks
The salary for a bioterrorism researcher varies, but professionals can expect to earn anywhere from $40,000 to more than $150,000 annually. With increased federal funding for research, professionals can expect to have access to plenty of opportunities.
Pharmacoepidemiologist
A pharmacoepidemiologist is a clinical researcher who works to protect the public from the onset and spread of various diseases. Professionals study pharmacology and epidemiology and work to understand the way in which drugs can improve the health of the general public.
Routine Working Day
The majority of professionals find employment working for state, local and federal agencies. Careers are also available in universities, hospitals and pharmaceutical corporations.
Educational Requirements
A pharmacoepidemiologist must hold at least a master’s degree, and many earn credentials in the public health field. Some also have doctoral degrees in pharmacology or epidemiology and combine their education by learning about public health and statistics.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
Pharmacoepidemiologists can expect to receive above-average wages, and professionals earn between $42,630 and $98,380 per year. Those who find employment working for pharmaceutical companies usually earn the highest wages. The field is expected to experience increased demand of nearly 24 percent through the year 2020.
Epidemiologist
An epidemiologist is in charge of identifying public health issues and must understand the mechanism of a particular illness. Once the cause of a public health problem is identified, an epidemiologist plays a crucial role in preventing the transmission of the disease.
Routine Working Day
Most of the times, an epidemiologist works in a medical facility, such as a laboratory or hospital. Professionals may also perform field research and work to discover illnesses in their local community.
Educational Requirements
An epidemiologist usually has at least a master’s degree in the field, and many employers mandate that applicants have a doctoral degree.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
An epidemiologist salary is high and varies from $42,000 to more than $98,000 each year. A variety of factors influences salary, and earnings often depend on a particular employer. Professionals are usually full-time employees and may be expected to work extended hours.
Infection Preventionist
An infection preventionist works to determine whether infections can pose a serious hazard to public health. They analyze data and may educate the larger community about the best ways in which to prevent illnesses. An infection preventionist may also provide medicine and immunizations that can prevent the spread of infection.
Routine Working Day
Most infection preventionists find work in the community for a local health agency. They may work with a hospital or an outreach group that aims to improve public health.
Educational Requirements
An infection preventionist is expected to have a master’s degree in the public health field, and many employers require a doctoral degree.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
Salaries for infection preventionists vary from $40,000 to more than $100,000 annually. Those who work for larger governmental agencies can expect to earn more, and the field is expected to experience dramatic demand in the coming years.
Legislative Policy Advisor
A legislative policy advisor uses their insight of the legal and medical fields to influence public policy with respect to health. Many are in charge of researching the benefits of laws that are related to policies aimed at improving public health.
Routine Working Day
A legislative policy advisor may work for advocacy groups, think tanks or individual politicians. Many spend their days in an office setting, and they may perform research in local hospitals or law libraries.
Educational Requirements
A legislative policy advisor is expected to have a master’s degree in the public health field, and many have graduated from law school. Some advisors have advanced medical training and may have graduated from medical school.
Earning Potential and Career Outlook
A legislative policy advisor salary has a diverse range, and the total earnings often depend on whether a professional works for a politician, a private lobbying group or a non-profit agency. Ranging from $65,000 to more than $110,000, an advisor can expect great wages and plentiful opportunities.
Biostatistician
A biostatistician relies on math and statistics to research public health, the environment and medicine. Researching, compiling studies and relying on the data to implement new policies are the chief roles of a biostatistician.
Routine Working Days
Most biostatisticians work for the federal, state or local government. Others may find employment with a pharmaceutical company or a private research group. Professionals usually work in an office or laboratory setting and may have to compile data and present it to others in an organization.
Educational Requirements
A biostatistician can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in math or statistics, but most professionals have a master’s degree in the field. Some of the leading employers require that their biostatisticians have a doctoral degree.
Career Outlook and Salary Potential
With top wages of nearly $119,100, biostatisticians can expect to be well rewarded for their efforts. Entry-level salaries may run from $39,090 to $72,830, and those who have spend years in the field can easily earn more than $100,000 per year. The growth rate is expected to increase by about 14 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Environmental Health Emergency Response Expert
An environmental health emergency response expert coordinates state and local efforts and works to prove aid to populations that have been hit by an environmental emergency, like a hurricane, tsunami or flood. Professionals may find a job working for a federal organization and are responsible for creating clearly defined plans to respond promptly to emergencies.
Routine Working Days
An environmental health emergency response specialist may work with community groups to ensure that plans are in place in the event of a problem. During an emergency, the professionals may work in the field and coordinate response efforts.
Educational Requirements
Most professionals have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science or biology. Some professionals earn advanced degrees that may boost their earning power.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
An environmental health emergency response specialist salary varies and may range from $29,000 to more than $101,000 annually. The regions with the most dangers are usually the biggest employers, and professionals may find work in the Northeast or on the West Coast where they respond to hurricanes or earthquakes.
Nurse Educator
A nurse educator is responsible for teaching nursing students, and the professionals may also work to provide continuing education credentials to new graduates. As professors, nurse educators work together with students and industry leaders to implement plans and create courses that are designed to enhance public health and address the shortage of trained professionals. Some nurse educators find a job in the administrative aspect of education, such as a college dean.
Routine Working Day
A nurse educator can expect to work inside a classroom at a community college or university. They teach students, grade papers and create lab assignments. Some educators may work in an office setting at a hospital or medical office. Most have an intimate knowledge of patient care and modern teaching methods.
Educational Requirements
A nurse educator is usually a registered nurse and has worked in a professional setting. Professionals are also expected to keep up with industry changes, and a bachelor’s degree is the bare minimum. Many nursing educators have advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctoral degree.
Earning Potential and Career Opportunities
A nurse educator salary may vary according to employers any geographical locations, but most earn outstanding wages. Entry-level salaries are usually in the range of $51,000 per year, and those who have worked for several years or have an administrative position may earn more than $99,000 per year. With the current nursing shortage, the demand for trained educators is expected to increase more than the average for other professions.
Academic Policy Advisor
An academic policy advisor is in charge of making decisions about public health educational programs. The professionals may guide policies and are often responsible for the allocation of funds and grants.
Routine Working Days
An academic policy advisor may find a job working for a state or federal organization, a university or a public health group. Many work in offices and may travel to visit public health facilities or classrooms.
Educational Requirements
Most academic policy advisors have a master’s degree in public health. Some professionals have graduated from medical school, and many of the top-paying jobs require that advisors have spent some time practicing as a doctor.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The earning potential for an academic policy advisor are varied and may range from $52,000 to more than $85,000 per year. Those with less education can expect to find wages on the lower end, and professionals who have advanced degrees will usually earn significantly higher salaries. The demand is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.
Health Communications Specialist
A health communications specialist provides the media and public with information about healthy lifestyle choices and diseases. They may combine clinical trial information with ground-breaking research in a manner that is easily understood. Many also work to advocate for initiatives that help the public understand the best ways in which to address epidemics.
Routine Working Days
A health communications specialist may find employment in a public or office setting. Professionals often plan events, communicate with the media and draft press releases for official publication.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in communication or journalism is essential, and most health care specialists have several years of experience in the communications field. Specialists must be able to create publications and presentations that are used in media outlets.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A health communications specialist salary may vary and can range from $30,000 to more than $96,000 annually. Current BLS estimates predict that the need for experienced professionals will increase much faster than the national average for other positions.
Disease Ecologist
A disease ecologist works to evaluate and research the way in which ecological changes impact the spread of pathogens and infectious diseases. As such, they work to understand the way in which human changes to the plant may impact public health issues.
Routine Working Days
A disease ecologist may find employment in a host of different settings. Professionals are usually employed by a college, university or a higher-education institution. Many other disease ecologists find employment in laboratories, parks or public health organizations.
Educational Requirements
An entry-level position requires at least a bachelor’s degree in ecology or biology. Professionals who work in a university setting may have to hold a doctoral degree in a related field.
Salary Potential and Career Options
Annual salaries for disease ecologists are high and range from a low of $36,000 to more than $90,000. Professionals can expect a great career outlook, and the field is expected to grow as corporations and governmental agencies learn more about the way in which humans interact with the environment.
Health Promotions Program Coordinator
A health promotions program coordinator is in charge of overseeing the management, planning and development of health promotions programs. Professionals may work directly with managers, outcomes researchers and program developers to create educational materials that are used to apply for governmental grants.
Routine Working Days
Most health promotions program coordinators work for universities, non-profit agencies and governmental agencies. Because the professionals are in charge of developing and initiating plans, they usually spend much of their working days in an office setting.
Educational Requirements
A health promotions program coordinator is expected to have a bachelor’s degree in public health. Most employers require that job applicants have a master’s degree, and many professionals have experience in the management field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The annual salaries for a health promotions program coordinator depend on a person’s experience and the size of an employer. Entry-level wages are usually $50,000 per year, and those who work in the leading programs can expect to bring home more than $90,000 per year. The demand for experienced coordinators is expected to increase at an average rate in the nation’s leading urban centers.
Nutritionist
A nutritionist understands human dietary requirements. They may have to analyze meals and create plans that help people improve their health by eating a well-rounded diet.
Routine Working Days
Almost 33 percent of all nutritionists find a job in a hospital. Some work in an outpatient clinic, and others find a job in a nursing home. Local cafeterias are other employers, and some nutritionists are self employed.
Educational Requirements
A nutritionist usually has at least an associate’s degree, and many have their bachelor’s degree in food management or nutrition. Some states license nutritionists and have a comprehensive program in place to ensure public safety.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
Nutritionists can expect to earn good salaries, and the median annual salary was $53,250 in 2010. The top dietitians can expect salaries that are up to $75,480 on an annual basis. Employment opportunities are expected to grow by more than 20 percent by 2020.
Public Health Information Officer
A public health information officer gives information to the public about disease prevention and major health issues. Professionals may need to conduct research in order to find the primary issues that affect a local community. Many search for employment in a clinic or a program that works with the general public on a daily basis.
Routine Working Day
A public health information officer may find employment in a county health department or in a large hospital. Most professionals spend a large part of their day in the office, and they may have to create and give presentations to the public or professional groups.
Educational Requirements
A public health information officer must hold a bachelor’s degree in the public health field. Some professionals earn a master’s degree in health education or public health to increase their earning potential.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A public health information officer salary can range from $49,000 to $91,800 annually. Officers who find a career in a hospital usually earn higher wages. Those who work in a local health department may enjoy salaries that are on the lower end of the spectrum.
Medical Writer
A medical writer is in charge of creating documents about medical issues and presenting their findings to readers in a clear manner. Medical writers play a crucial role in public health because they help to improve public awareness. A medical writer may create press releases, write Website content or draft educational materials for medical center patients.
Routine Working Days
A medical writer may work for a medical school, research company, hospital or pharmaceutical company. Nearly 30 percent of professionals are freelancers who set their own hours.
Educational Requirements
A medical writer may have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English or a related field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A medical writer salary depends on an employer, geographical location and educational level. The average annual salary for a professional is about $72,000 per year. Medical writers are in high demand, and the need for qualified professionals is expected to increase in the coming years.
Public Health Consultant
A public health consultant may work with government agencies or healthcare providers to create and implement policies that aim to improve public health. After measures are in place, a consultant may inspect the practical implementation and suggest minor changes that make the program more effective.
Routine Working Days
A public health consultant may work in an office drafting policies, and they may also spend some of their time in clinics, hospitals or other facilities.
Educational Requirements
A public health consultation usually has a master’s degree in a related field. Public health administration or counseling are two fields in which a consultant can earn their degree.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A public health consultant salary typically ranges from $40,000 to more than $80,000 annually. The consultants who earn the most usually find a career in the private sector. Average job growth is expected to keep wages high and create new positions in the future.
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
An emergency preparedness coordinator may work with county health departments to guard against biological terrorism. Professionals work to create plans that address potential threats, and they may work with politicians in an advisory capacity. As such, an emergency preparedness coordinator may oversee policy and create management plans.
Routine Working Days
A bioterrorism coordinator may work for a government agency and spend half their time in the office and the remainder in the field.
Educational Requirements
A bioterrorism or emergency preparedness coordinator needs to have a comprehensive understanding of public health threats and may need a master’s degree. Some professionals have a dual degree in the nursing and public health fields.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
Salaries for emergency preparedness coordinators depend on the city where a person finds employment. Most professionals can expect to earn from $40,000 to more than $75,000 per year. As the United States continues to prepare for threats of bioterrorism, professionals can expect to find plenty of opportunities across the country.
Emergency Preparedness Specialist
An emergency preparedness specialist is in charge of providing education and training to the general public and first responders. The professionals are essential in the evaluation of community plans, and they may formulate responses to natural disasters or terrorist threats.
Routine Working Days
An emergency preparedness specialist may find employment for a state, federal or local agency. They are in charge of working with other professionals and may spend some of their time in schools, public places and community centers. Some specialists find jobs in industrial facilities where they help create a proactive plan to reduce environmental hazards after a natural disaster.
Educational Requirements
An emergency preparedness specialist is expected to have a bachelor’s degree in public planning. Many professionals have prior experience in the management and emergency preparedness field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The earning potential for an emergency preparedness specialist varies according to employer and geographical area. Professionals who find employment in the private sector usually earn more. Annual earnings vary from $39,000 to more than $71,000 per year. Demand for trained professionals is expected to increase in the coming years.
Consumer Safety Officer
A consumer safety officer works to make sure that the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)s regulations are enforced at all times. A safety officer may initiate legal actions and help the public learn more about FDA regulations. A consumer safety officer may also craft inspection procedures and help to develop new drugs.
Routine Working Days
A consumer safety officer will spent most of their time working from an office. Safety officers also need to travel and may inspect various sites around the country.
Educational Requirements
A consumer safety officer needs to have at least 30 hours in a field that is related to public health, like nutrition, nursing or biology. Professionals also need to have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent industry experience.
Salary Potential and Career Opportunities
A consumer safety officer salary is usually from $28,000 to $71,000 each year. The exact wages depend on experience, educational levels and the exact location where a professional works. Many candidates easily find a job working for the FDA.
Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
A behavioral health program coordinator works with mental health providers and the community to provide a variety of services. Most professionals work with case managers to evaluate care and improve public health.
Routine Working Days
A behavioral health program coordinator may find employment in a public or private facility. Most professional coordinators spend much of their day in the office, but they may also coordinate events and spend some time meeting with the public at routine events.
Educational Requirements
Minimal educational requirements for a behavioral health program coordinator is a bachelor’s degree in psychology or an associated field. Some coordinators need to have prior experience and should be able to pass background checks. At some employers, a coordinator may need a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or psychology.
Salary Potential and Career Outlooks
The annual salaries for behavioral health program coordinators are high, and those who work in private facilities can expect to earn more than those who find employment in the public sector. The wages run from $45,000 to $70,000 each year. Demand is growing and is expected to increase higher than that of other careers.
Health and Wellness Managers
A health and wellness manager analyzes public health issues and creates programs to address the unique problems that confront a particular community. Some managers offer health education and create seminars that are designed to improve public health.
Routine Working Days
A health and wellness manager may find employment in a public or private facility. Most spend their days working from an office, but they are also required to interface with the public on a regular basis. In addition, a manager may be expected to research health issues and inform the general public about ways in which to reduce disease and illness.
Educational Requirements
A health and wellness manager should have a bachelor’s degree in public health or exercise science. Many employers are looking for applicants that have at least a master’s degree.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
The salaries for health and wellness managers is high, and professionals can expect to bring in between $39,000 and $70,000 each year. Demand is rapidly growing for qualified professionals, and managers can expect to have abundant opportunities readily available.
Environmental Health Technician
An environmental health technician performs field and laboratory tests to determine the way in which the environment impacts public health. Many tests are conducted on pollution levels. A technician may work directly under an environmental specialists, and many professionals work their way up the ladder to higher-paying careers.
Routine Working Days
An environmental health technician may work in an office or lab setting and may find employment at a scientific or a technical firm. Professionals may work for the federal government, in a testing laboratory or for a local hospital.
Educational Requirements
Entry-level jobs may only require a high school diploma, but the majority of employers search for applicants who have an associate’s degree or higher.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A typical environmental health technician salary varies and the wages range from a median of $41,380 to a high of more than $67,630. The demand for trained professionals is expected to increase by more than 24 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Health Teacher
A health teacher works to improve public health awareness in the educational system, and they may work for a local school system. Teachers may focus on a specialized area or work in a generalized manner. Subjects that a health teacher covers includes physical fitness, mental health, disease prevention and sexual health.
Routine Working Days
A health teacher may be employed by public schools or work at a university. A professional may also work in a community outreach program and provide the general public with seminars that aim to improve wellness on a community level.
Educational Requirements
A health teacher usually has a bachelor’s degree in the public health field, and those who work in a hospital or university setting usually need a master’s or doctoral degree.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A health teacher salary varies from one city to the next and depends on the particular employer. A health teacher can expect to earn anywhere from $48,000 to $64,000 each year. As public health concerns grow, the demand for qualified teachers is expected to increase dramatically.
Public Health Planner
A public health planner compiles and analyzes date about various public health problems. A planner is usually in charge of different departments in county health departments, and they may work to gain funding for their programs. Some planners have a distinct focus, such as mental or sexual health.
Routine Working Days
A public health planner may work for a county or state agency. They may also find career opportunities in a hospital or other educational facility.
Educational Requirements
Public health planners usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in public health or a similar field. Many people have advanced degrees in urban planning or public health policy. Some professionals have prior working experience in the field.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A public health planner salary depends on the geographical location in which a professional works. The average wages vary from $40,400 to $63,000 each year. Increased demand is expected to reach growth rates of at least 16 percent from 2010 to 2020.
Disaster Preparedness Researcher
A disaster preparedness researcher is a member of most city’s emergency preparedness teams. The professionals look to historic data about disaster responses and work to create a comprehensive plan that aims to facilitate the process by which a community reacts to natural disasters. Professional researchers may have to write comprehensive reports and provide details to advisors and management teams.
Routine Working Days
A disaster preparedness researcher may work for a private or a government agency. Many professionals work in a traditional office, but they may also carry out extensive field research. Some researchers may travel to other locations and inspect facilities to ensure that plans are in accordance with industry standards.
Educational Requirements
A disaster preparedness researcher may have a bachelor’s degree in the public health or disaster-management field. Many professionals also have degrees in police operations or in the criminal-justice field.
Career Outlook and Salary Potential
A disaster preparedness researcher can expect to earn salaries that range from $45,000 to more than $60,000 per year. Professionals who work for private corporations usually earn more, and those who find a job in the public sector may earn less. Demand is expected to increase at a rate that is slightly above average.
Community Health Worker
A community health worker educates the community about disease prevention and works to connect individuals with human services. Professionals may offer supportive counseling and advocation. Many work to increase the community’s ability to improve wellness on a personal level.
Routine Working Day
A community health worker may find a job in a public health department, a hospital or in a community health center. Many spend time working in the community or in an office environment.
Educational Requirements
A community health worker does not necessarily need a college degree, and the educational requirements vary by particular employer. Most professionals have some type of training and on-the-job experience.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A community health worker salary depends on a wide range of factors, and professionals can expect to earn from $28,000 to $60,000 each year.
Reproductive Health Specialist
A reproductive health specialist offers education and essential services to the public. Many assist with family planning and may provide testing for HIV, AIDS and other STDs. A specialist may also be in charge of medical billing and work to provide general duties as a receptionist.
Routine Working Days
A reproductive health specialist may find a career in a family planning or community health facility. Professionals usually work in an office environment, and they may gain employment for a private group or a public agency.
Educational Requirements
Most specialists have experience in the medical field, and some employers require that applicants have a state license. While a college degree is not an essential component of employment, most reproductive health specialists have an associate’s degree or higher.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A reproductive health specialist salary varies from one region to the next. Most professionals can expect high wages that range from $30,000 to more than $55,000 each year. The demand for trained professionals is expected to increase by more than the average for other fields.
Medical Investigator
A medical investigator examines and collects evidence in criminal investigations. Professionals may also look into unattended deaths in an effort to see if a person died from natural causes or foul play. A professional has to thoroughly document their findings and maintain a clear chain of custody.
Routine Working Days
Most medical investigators are employed in a forensic lab or in a medical examiner’s office. Professionals may be expected to conduct field work and may visit local crime scenes to obtain evidence. In addition, a medical investigator may need to appear in court and provide testimony about the collection of evidence.
Educational Requirements
Medical investigators usually have a bachelor’s degree in the forensic sciences. Some professionals may be working on their medical degree, and many receive training while working on the job.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
With outstanding salaries, a medical investigator can expect to earn from $33,000 to more than $52,000 each year. The demand for qualified medical investigators is expected to increase in keeping with the average for other skilled trades.
Public Health Journalist
Responsible for writing articles and stories about a variety of medical topics, a public health journalist often helps inform the general public about issues that are important for their well being. Many provide communications that bring scientific research to the general public in a manner that is easily understood.
Routine Working Days
Public health journalists usually work for trade journals, newspapers or magazines. Some work from a traditional office and may spend time in local hospitals, health centers or research centers. In addition, a public health journalist may find employment in a private hospital.
Educational Requirements
Most journalists have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the journalism field. A public health journalist may also gain experience on the job, and some professionals have experience writing articles for a newspaper or Website.
Salary Potential and Career Outlook
A public health journalist salary varies and often depends on an individual’s employer. Professional journalists can expect to find rewarding wages that vary from $28,000 to $55,000 each year. The demand for trained medical journalists is expected to increase higher than nearly all other professions.
Public Health Jobs Resources
There are a number of amazing resources that we’ve found to help you get a job in public health.
PHJobs.org, a leading Public Health Jobs Database
Emory Job Database, a leading Public Health Jobs Database
Public Health Jobs, another leading public health health jobs database.
