What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?
Key Takeaways
- Public health practitioners tackle global health issues and make long-lasting improvements to the health of society.
- According to the BLS, healthcare professions are projected to expand by 13% over the next decade.
- A public health degree can lead to numerous job opportunities that earn a higher-than-average salary.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the importance of public health to the forefront. As we continue facing public health challenges like emerging infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, contamination crises, and more, there is an increasing need for passionate professionals devoted to protecting community health.
If making a difference by fighting threats, promoting well-being, and saving lives sounds compelling to you, a career in the growing field of public health may be a great option.
What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?
With a public health degree, you can access several employment opportunities that enhance community well-being. Graduates can pursue careers in epidemiology, developing plans to fight diseases, or in health education, advocating for preventative care.
While healthcare managers oversee effective service delivery, policy analysts help shape healthcare laws. Environmental health experts concentrate on protecting populations against risks. A public health degree enables people to tackle global health issues and make long-lasting improvements to the health of society.
Healthcare professions are projected to expand by 13% by 2031, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Graduates in this exciting field can pursue careers in epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral health science, health care administration, global health expertise, and more.
These varied jobs provide graduates with a wide range of employment opportunities in the sector, catering to public policy and environmental health specializations. Here are some jobs you can do with this degree:
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Career Options for Graduates with a Public Health Degree
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians, who earn an average of $130,130 a year across the US, are essential to the planning and executing of statistical research projects that enhance our understanding of medicine. Analyzing data to gain a deeper understanding of biological concerns provides invaluable assistance to public health initiatives.
Chief Medical Officer
The chief medical officer is in charge of clinical operations, staff management, administrative duties, and the efficient administration of medical centers. Ensuring that every patient receives the best possible medical care is their major priority. The national average wage for a chief medical officer is $456,800 per year.
If you’re ready to continue your education with an advanced degree in public health, check out the most affordable online doctorate programs in public health.
Demographers
With an average salary of $73,254, demographers examine demographic data, such as gender ratios and birth rates, to find patterns to improve health outcomes. They explore the “why” behind our evolutionary trends, producing enlightening reports that support larger projects.
Demography is well-paid because it encompasses health care, sociology, economics, history, anthropology, and other fields. It requires a great understanding of human nature, and because of this, it is a highly fulfilling job.
Public Policy Writers
Public policy writers make an average yearly income of $104,760 and are crucial in influencing choices about health. Often referred to as policy analysts, they carefully investigate, evaluate, and present their findings regarding financing, regulations, or legislation. Their writing brings important knowledge together, inspiring people and organizations to take particular actions.
Investigator in Public Health
A public health investigator delves into population health by conducting surveys and analyzing data to identify new patterns, possible hazards, and the interactions between behavior, biology, and the environment. With an average yearly pay of $75,325, these multidisciplinary researchers gather, arrange, and evaluate data to identify patterns and provide solutions for sanitary problems.
How much does a public health professional earn?
ZipRecruiter reported that as of December 2023, the average yearly pay for a public health bachelor’s degree holder was $79,657. The average annual salary for a master’s degree in public health (MPH) rose to $120,688.
Factors Influencing a Public Health Professional’s Salary
- Education and Degree Level: Because of their increased experience and credentials, practitioners with advanced degrees, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or specialty certifications, sometimes earn more money.
- Work Experience and Leadership Roles: A lot of experience, especially in leadership roles, can help you make more money because employers recognize and reward professionals with a track record of accomplishment.
- Geographic Location and Cost of Living: Pay varies according to location, with greater living expenses frequently translating into higher salaries to meet the demand for experts in the area and local economic conditions.
- Type of Employer: Salary level might vary depending on organizational budgets, funding sources, and sector-specific factors, depending on whether the employer is in the public, nonprofit, or private sectors.
- Industry Trends and Skill Set: A professional’s market value is raised by keeping up with changing industry trends and skills; this could result in higher pay and more prospects for career progression in this exciting field.
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Related Questions
Is public health a good career?
A career in the healthcare field is often impactful and rewarding, focused on enhancing community well-being. It offers diverse opportunities to address health challenges, promote prevention, and contribute to the overall welfare of populations.
What are the most common public health bachelor degrees?
Common bachelor degrees include public health, health sciences, epidemiology, environmental health, and health education. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to tackle sanitary issues from various angles.
Did you know that you could pursue a public health degree online? Some of the best schools in the US offer online bachelor’s in public health degree programs.
If you are pursuing a public health degree in college while also balancing a full time job, we have tips on how to be successful doing that.
Which are the highest paying jobs with a public health degree?
The highest-paying jobs with this degree include health policy analyst, epidemiologist, and public health administrator. These positions offer both competitive salaries and a chance to provide fulfilling opportunities to significantly impact the healthcare system at local, national, or global levels.
An online MBA in healthcare management could help to qualify you for a higher-paying position as a public health administrator.
A degree in health care is a passport to a multifaceted field of possibilities. From epidemiology to policy analysis, the field empowers individuals to be catalysts for positive change. With diverse career paths and the chance to shape healthier communities, this degree opens doors to meaningful and impactful endeavors.
