If you are interested in public health, there are a number of different career options you can consider. From science to nutrition, your focus is entirely up to you. The wide range of options will often require an extended degree, like a Master of Public Health.
Natural Science Manager
One of the highest paying public health jobs goes to those working in offices and labs to oversee other scientists with environmental testing and quality assurance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average wage of $115,730 per year and expects the job rates for this position to grow at 6 percent over the next several years.
HIV Specialist
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a serious concern, with dedicated professionals working to find treatment solutions. As an HIV specialist, you might work directly for a doctor’s office or in a hospital to help prevent disease transmission, or work with patients who suffer from HIV. Professionals in this career often earn anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 a year, depending on where their job is located and what kind of work they are doing.
Tropical Disease Expert
Understanding odd diseases that could pose a serious public risk is necessary for the well-being of the greater population. Professionals in this field are much like detectives looking for clues and answers, often earning between $115,000 and $190,000 a year for their troubles.
Nutritionist
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Understanding the body and how it utilizes food can lead you to a career helping individuals improve their health with a well-rounded diet. Many professionals in this field work in hospitals, nursing homes, or cafeterias, or are self-employed. The average salary is around $55,000 for professional nutritionists, and the BLS expects this job field to grow faster than the average career at an impressive 21 percent over the next several years.
Reproductive Health Specialist
From testing for sexually transmitted diseases to helping educate the public on family planning, a reproductive health specialist spends the day working with the medical side of reproduction and family growth. Earning entry-level salaries of $30,000 to $55,000, trained professionals can expect to see job openings increase in this field over the next several years at an above-average rate.
Biomedical Scientist
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Also known as a microbiologist, careers in this field focus on testing fluids and tissues to help doctors find the right diagnosis. Earning about $66,000 a year on average, a biomedical scientist will be able to help identify and treat diseases from the lab.
Pharmacoepidemiologist
If you have an interest in public health improvement through medicine, a career as a pharmacoepidemiologist may be up your alley. The salary for this position is typically somewhere between $42,000 to $98,000 a year, with those working for pharmaceutical companies earning the highest pay.
Of course, this is not a complete list of career options for the MPH graduate. From working in international healthcare to becoming a disaster preparedness researcher for a city’s emergency plan, there are countless jobs you will be able to consider when you enter the broad field of public health.