Careers in Public Health

Public health is the science and art of promoting and protecting health. The field of public health is a broad one, and topics can range from mental health to nutrition to education. While a doctor treats people who are sick, public health professionals try to prevent sickness and injury in the first place. We also encourage healthy behaviors.

A career in public health can put you at the forefront of research, non-profits, government, and healthcare (to name a few). Becoming a member of the public health community can be a very rewarding career path.

Below, you'll find a guide to careers in public health and how each role helps make a difference.
 

Leadership and Admin
 

Director of Public Health (Health Officer)

ROLE: Oversees all staff and every program in the public health department
DEGREE NEEDED: Master's degree in Public Health, Nursing, or related field
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 7
SALARY RANGE: $113,235- $156,707

Deputy Director

ROLE: Oversees all nursing programs
DEGREE NEEDED: Bachelor's degree in nursing
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 3
SALARY RANGE: $104,832- $145,101

Health Data Analyst

ROLE: Gathers health data and information to understand health trends
DEGREE NEEDED: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: At least 5 years of relevant experience
SALARY RANGE: $77,043-$106,642
 

Financial Analyst

ROLE: Keeps track of department charges and expenses
DEGREE NEEDED: Associate's degree in accounting or another related field
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 4 years of office experience
SALARY RANGE: $71,323- $98,717

Health and Wellness

Public Health Nurse

ROLE: Provides education for new parents, home visits, and vaccinations
DEGREE NEEDED: Bachelor's degree in nursing
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 0
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE: Nursing
SALARY RANGE: $83,179-$115,170
 

Dietician

ROLE: Provides education on nutrition and healthy eating
DEGREE NEEDED: 3 years of nutrition experience
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 3 years of nutrition experience
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE: Registered dietician license
SALARY RANGE: $77,043-$106,642
 

Communications Specialist

ROLE: Promotes and markets public health programs
DEGREE NEEDED: Bachelor's degree in English, communications, or related field
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 2 years related experience
SALARY RANGE: $61,131- $84,594

Community Health
 

Sanitarian

ROLE: Inspects public places like restaurants, pools, and hotels
DEGREE NEEDED: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Health, or other related field
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 0
SALARY RANGE: $71,323-$98,717
 

Health Educator

ROLE: Works with community partners to improve health outcomes for all
DEGREE NEEDED: Bachelor's degree in Public Health or another related field
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 0
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE: Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
SALARY RANGE: $71,323-$98,717
 

Community Health Worker

ROLE: Connects people to care and resources to help them be healthy
DEGREE NEEDED: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Lived experience relevant to the specific populations to be served is prioritized over schooling or years of work experience
SALARY RANGE: $56,597-$78,374

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For information on Public Health Services, click here.
 

For more information on careers in public health, visit the links below:

Careers - PublicHealth.org

Public Health Career Options and Salary Overview (publichealthdegrees.org)

Public Health Careers.org