If you are interested in public health, there are a number of different career options to consider. From science to nutrition, your focus is entirely up to you. Many appealing public health careers require an advanced degree such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), particularly senior- and management-level positions.
Public Health Careers: A Broad Field
Public health professionals focus on encouraging healthy behaviors and protecting communities from potential health hazards or crises. Their roles are proactive in nature, with the goal of preventing illnesses or injuries before they happen.
The breadth of this mission means a wide range of career opportunities fall under the public health umbrella. Each of the following roles focuses on a different aspect of public health. Regardless of their focus or approach, however, a singular goal fuels these public health careers: to build and maintain healthy communities.
1. Natural Science Manager
Natural science managers oversee the work of scientists in fields such as biology, chemistry and physics. They ensure that scientific research and development are efficiently and accurately performed. Their key responsibilities include quality assurance and environmental testing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that natural science managers had a 2021 median annual salary of $137,900. The BLS predicts employment of natural science managers will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.
2. HIV Specialist
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious concern, with dedicated professionals working to find treatment solutions. HIV specialists work with other health care professionals to recognize symptoms and create treatment strategies that can enable HIV patients to live full lives. The median annual salary for infectious disease specialists, including HIV specialists, was approximately $150,000 as of February 2023, according to Payscale.
3. Tropical Disease Expert
Tropical disease experts specialize in investigating, treating and preventing diseases considered indigenous to the world’s tropical or subtropical regions. Their specialized understanding of these diseases can reduce the chances of them spreading to other parts of the globe. Tropical disease expert is one of the highest paying public health jobs. The median annual salary for these professionals as of January 2023 was around $212,500, according to Payscale.
4. Nutritionist
Nutritionists promote health and disease management through food and drink. They assess clients’ health needs and advise them on healthy eating habits and lifestyles to maintain wellness. Many professionals in this field work in hospitals, nursing homes or cafeterias or are self-employed. The BLS reports that the 2021 median annual salary for nutritionists was $61,650, and projects that the number of jobs for nutritionists will grow 7% between 2021 and 2031.
5. Reproductive Health Specialist
Reproductive health specialists educate the public on issues concerning sexual well-being and the reproductive system. This includes issues such as sexually transmitted diseases, family planning and reproductive disorders. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for public health careers in fertility clinics is around $74,000 as of February 2023.
6. Biomedical Scientist
Also known as microbiologists, biomedical scientists test specimens such as bodily fluids and tissue samples to diagnose, observe and manage diseases. They also use high-tech lab equipment and data analysis techniques to identify pathogens and develop new treatment plans. The median annual salary for biomedical scientists was approximately $81,000 as of January 2022, according to Payscale.
7. Pharmacoepidemiologist
Pharmacoepidemiologists study the effects, efficacy and impact of pharmaceuticals and their usage. Their research can help determine a drug’s benefits and potential harms to society. The BLS reports that epidemiologists in scientific research and development earned an average salary of $126,470 in 2021. The field is projected to grow by 26% between 2021 and 2031.
8. Biostatistician
Biostatisticians gather, analyze and interpret data to study issues such as disease spread, drug effectiveness, systems medicine and biological sequences. They may also apply their skills in environmental or agricultural fields. As of December 2022, Payscale reports that the median annual salary for biostatisticians was around $80,000.
See What a Public Health Career Can Do for You
MPH graduates have a wide range of dynamic public health career paths to consider. Each career path comes with unique challenges and objectives, but all share the same primary goal: to make the world a healthier place
USC’s online Master of Public Health program can help you prepare for whatever public health career path you choose. With five concentrations — Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Community Health Promotion, Global Health, Health Services and Policy and Generalist — the program is designed to give you a foundation that you can apply to any of a range of specializations. Learn how USC can help prepare you to make a real impact in the public health field.
Recommended Readings
A Guide for Helping Immigrants and Refugees Access Health Services
Social Justice and Public Health in 2022
Sources:
American Public Health Association, What Is Public Health?
Indeed, “How to Become a Biomedical Scientist (with Top Skills)”
Indeed, “What Is a Natural Science Manager? (And How to Become One)”
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Reproductive Health
News Medical Life Sciences, “What Is Pharmacoepidemiology?”
O*Net Online, Biostatisticians
Payscale, Average Biomedical Scientist Salary
Payscale, Average Biostatistician Salary
Payscale, Average Infectious Disease Specialist Salary
Payscale, Average Physician/Doctor, Infectious Disease Salary
Payscale, Salary for Industry: Fertility Clinic
Shape, “What Does a Nutritionist Do, Exactly?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dieticians and Nutritionists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Epidemiologists