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Highest paid public health careers
There are many options for a successful career in public health, but it should be noted that you more than likely need a degree and that salaries vary by geographic location, cost of living, the company, and job roles or functions. If you are considering or looking for a job in public health, read our guide to learn about 10 high-paying public health jobs along with detailed information on top-paying locations and industries.
The sponsored program table featured on this page was last updated in March 2026. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Sponsored Online Public Health Programs
| Institution & Program | Study Length | Test requirement |
|---|---|---|
| As few as 20 months | No GRE required | |
| As few as 12 months | No GRE required | |
| 36 months | No GRE required | |
| As few as 24 months | No GRE required | |
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health ProfessionsMasters of Health Administration AD | 12-24 Months | No GMAT or GRE required |
Before considering a public health career
To start a successful career in public health, individuals with an interest in the field need to start with the basics, so let’s review public health degrees and why they are important.
- Bachelor of Public Health (BPH): The BPH degree is a common undergraduate option for college-going individuals with aspirations to enter the field. However, some learners opt for courses of study in health administration, nursing, informatics, or other healthcare disciplines. Many people who work in public health hold an MPH and most MPH programs require a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. Therefore, a BPH can help you build a knowledge base if you'd like to pursue the route of an advanced degree. Both online and on-campus BPH programs are available. Explore our guide for an overview of BPH program options.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): An MPH is not required to work in public health, but some public health professionals might recommend it for certain positions in both the private and public sectors. There are many different concentrations available to those who want to earn a specialized MPH degree — epidemiology, global health, community health, and environmental health are some of the common ones. There are plenty of traditional MPH programs and online MPH programs available.
- Doctor of Public Health(DPH): The DPH degree is the terminal degree in the public health field. If you are looking to become a public health professor in a college setting or if you want to pursue a research position, you might consider continuing on to a DPH (also called DrPH) or PhD in public health program after your master’s education. Learn more about the DPH degree.
High-paying public health jobs
The following sections provide information on high-paying public health careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as well as an explanation of job functions and requirements to be considered for employment. This information was last retrieved from the BLS and updated in October 2025.
Biostatistician
Summary: $104,350 per year / Minimum of a master’s degree
Statisticians are a vital part of public health research. Statisticians design experiments, questionnaires, and surveys to collect data on people and health. They analyze the collected data and create reports to highlight trends and explain their findings. Statisticians can work in many fields, but most are employed in government, healthcare, or research and development. Biostatisticians, in particular, use statistical tools to research questions related to medicine and biology. They may look into new drugs on the market or the causes of diseases.
Degree requirements
An undergraduate degree in statistics will suffice for some entry-level jobs, but most roles require a minimum of a master’s degree. Coursework in statistics and mathematics is necessary for entry into a master’s program. A master’s degree in statistics, when paired with biology or public health coursework, can lay the foundation for pursuing a career in biostatistics.
- Recommended or common degrees: Biostatistics degrees
Salaries
Biostatisticians earned a median annual salary of $104,350 in 2024. The lowest 10% of professionals made less than $63,430 and the highest 10% earned more than $187,660.
Computer and information systems manager
Summary: $171,200 per year / Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
Computer and information system managers are tasked with the planning, coordination, and supervision of computer-related operations at their organization. In the context of public health, these experts, often referred to as clinical informatics specialists or information system managers, bear the responsibility of defining and addressing IT needs and goals for healthcare organizations. They may resolve software and hardware issues, install new computer systems, keep operating costs low, and orchestrate and oversee long-term strategies to make computer systems and medical record keeping safer and more effective.
Degree requirements
To become an IT manager, a bachelor’s degree in computer and information science or a related discipline is advised. However, if you’d like to combine your interests in computer science and healthcare, a master’s in healthcare informatics may be the best fit for you. Courses typically cover healthcare systems, health informatics concepts, data analytics, database design and implementation, and IT strategy and management courses.
- Recommended or common degrees: Master’s in health informatics
Salaries
As of 2024, the median salary for computer and information systems managers was $171,200 per year. The lowest 10% of professionals earned less than $104,450 and the highest 10% made more than $239,200.
Master’s in Information Systems Executive Program
Bridge the gap between business and technology. Earn an online Master’s in Information Systems Executive Program with a certificate in Applied Data Science from Syracuse University.
- Advance your IT and information systems skills
- Complete in as little as 15 months
- No GRE scores required to apply
- Leverage information resources to improve organizations
Postsecondary teachers
Summary: $83,980 per year / Minimum of a master’s degree
Individuals who seek a doctoral degree often do so with the aim of working in academia or conducting scholarly research. These professionals often focus their research on critical topics such as bioterrorism, vaccines, healthcare outcomes, mental health, and social behavior.
Some public health practitioners choose to also obtain their medical license and work as public health physicians or preventive medicine physicians, meaning they can diagnose and treat populations and individuals. These individuals often work for hospitals or government agencies and may also be on boards or serve as key members of other public health organizations.
Degree requirements
Professors or postsecondary teachers in public health teach students at the undergraduate or graduate levels. While many professors hold doctoral degrees, some institutions may consider applicants with master's degrees and substantial professional experience. Additionally, many professors may be expected to conduct research or be involved in various organizations related to their specialty.
For those who are interested in preventive medicine, becoming a licensed medical doctor (MD) may be the career choice for you.
Salaries
The median annual salary for postsecondary teachers was $83,980 in 2024. The lowest 10% of these professionals earned less than $48,570, while the highest 10% earned more than $199,520.
Emergency management director
Summary: $86,130 per year / Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
Emergency management directors prepare and develop plans to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. They must assess hazards and develop plans to respond to disasters while also minimizing the risk to the public. In collaboration with public officials, nonprofits, and government agencies, emergency management directors help lead the response both before and after emergencies and disasters.
Degree requirements
Emergency management directors typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in business, emergency management, or public health, as well as many years of work experience in public administration, emergency preparedness, or disaster planning. Some roles in the private sector may require a degree in computer science, information systems administration, or a related information technology (IT) field.
Salaries
The median annual salary for emergency management directors was $86,130 in 2024. The lowest 10% of directors earned less than $51,260 and the highest 10% earned more than $160,420.
Environmental scientist
Summary: $80,060 per year / Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
Environmental scientists use their knowledge of natural sciences to protect both environmental and human health. Environmental scientists are tasked with a range of duties, including land reclamation and developing regulations and plans to curtail air and soil pollution. Additionally, they take charge of data collection and dissemination of information to governmental bodies, businesses, and the public. While a significant number are employed by state and local governments, many also work as consultants. They work in laboratories, offices, and conduct field work.
Degree requirements
A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, engineering, or public health may be sufficient for certain entry-level jobs in environmental sciences (such as field analysts or research assistants). For more advanced careers, a master’s degree is often required. For those aspiring to pursue a career in environmental sciences, their curriculum should encompass foundational subjects like biology, geology, and physics, in addition to more specialized courses such as waste management, fluid mechanics, data analysis, and computer modeling. Communication and interpersonal skills can be useful to environmental scientists as many roles require individuals to explain findings to a variety of people. Additionally, analytical thinking and problem solving can be powerful tools.
Recommended or common degrees: Environmental health programs
Salaries
The median annual salary for environmental scientists and specialists was $80,060 in 2024. The lowest 10% of scientists earned less than $50,130 and the highest 10% earned more than $134,830.
Epidemiologist
Summary: $83,980 per year / Minimum of a master’s degree in public health
Epidemiologists work to reduce negative health outcomes among populations. With tasks such as developing and directing studies to determine the causes of disease and injury, analyzing collected data, communicating their findings to both the public and policymakers, suggesting preventive measures, informing public health policies, and facilitating timely responses to emerging health threats, epidemiologists play a crucial role in safeguarding public health.
Degree requirements
A master’s-level degree is required to work as an epidemiologist. The degree could be in epidemiology or another related public health field. The coursework, however, usually includes statistics, survey design, public health, biostatistics, and physical sciences. Soft skills such as attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are useful to have in this profession.
- Recommended or common degrees: Epidemiology degrees or master’s in public health
Salaries
The median annual salary for epidemiologists was $83,980 in 2024. The lowest 10% of epidemiologists earned less than $56,950 and the highest 10% earned more than $134,860.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Earn your Master of Public Health (MPH) from UNC-Chapel Hill's top-ranked Gillings School of Global Public Health in as few as 20–24 months. Our CEPH-accredited online learning experience offers three concentrations. No GRE required.
- Three accredited concentrations: MPH Leadership, MPH Nutrition, Food Systems and Health, and Applied Epidemiology
- Curriculum includes applied field experience. Field placement services available.
- Part-time and full-time program options
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. GRE scores are not required.
Health and safety engineer
Summary: $109,660 per year / Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
Health and safety engineers work primarily in scientific and technical services but are also employed in construction and by the government. Historically, the manufacturing industry has relied on health and safety engineers to not only ensure the safety of consumer products and work environments, but also to help cut production costs. The job of a health and safety engineer is to design systems and procedures that prevent people from getting sick or injured. Employing observational skills, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity, health and safety engineers identify potential hazards. They also ensure compliance to health and safety regulations, review safety programs, and conduct accident investigations among other multifaceted tasks.
Degree requirements
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, public health or occupational/industrial hygiene is typically required for entry-level jobs in health and safety engineering. Individuals interested in health and safety engineering may take undergraduate courses in engineering, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, and environmental health and safety. Experience is also highly sought after by employers, so internships or work experience should also be considered.
- Recommended or common degrees: Occupational health programs
Salaries
Health and safety engineers earned a median annual salary of $109,660 in 2024. The lowest 10% of engineers made less than $62,050 per year while the highest 10% earned more than $166,670.
Medical and health services manager
Summary: $117,960 per year / Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
Medical or health services managers, sometimes called healthcare administrators or executives, support a clinic, department, or group of physicians by directing and coordinating health services. The main goal of a healthcare manager is to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. Duties range from billing and scheduling to representing their team at board meetings or in meetings with governing bodies. Healthcare administrators work in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory health services, clinics and occasionally, in government positions.
Degree requirements
At a minimum, healthcare administrators must have a bachelor’s degree, but master’s degrees are very common. Specializing in health administration equips aspiring professionals with fundamental knowledge across a range of topics, including accounting, budgeting, health economics, strategic planning, and hospital organization and management. For those with a bachelor’s degree, experience working in a hospital may be helpful and required by some employers. A certification or license may also be required by employers or the state.
- Recommended or common degrees: Master’s in healthcare administration
Salaries
The median annual salary for medical and health services managers was $117,960 in 2024. The lowest 10% of managers earned less than $69,680 and the highest 10% earned more than $219,080.
Attorney
Summary: $151,160 per year / Minimum of a doctoral degree
Public health attorneys are a type of lawyer that work with local, state, and national government officials to devise policies, set regulations, and pass laws concerning public health standards. Public health attorneys may also advocate for patients and victims, filing lawsuits against companies and organizations that violate public health standards.
Degree requirements
The path toward becoming a lawyer typically begins with four years of undergraduate study followed by three years of law school where aspiring professionals earn a Juris Doctor (JD). Individuals must attend a law school that has been accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). For those who wish to specialize in public health, completing coursework focused on health law can be helpful. The final step to becoming a lawyer is taking and passing the bar exam.
Salaries
As of 2024, the median annual salary for lawyers was $151,160. The lowest 10% of lawyers earned less than $72,780 and the highest 10% earned more than $239,200.
Social and community service manager
Summary: $78,240 per year / Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
Social and community service managers supervise workers who provide social services to the public. These services can be tailored to specific groups such as children, veterans, senior citizens, or the homeless, and may address specific challenges like substance abuse, mental health concerns, or unemployment. Core responsibilities include coordinating and overseeing health programs and community organizations. Social and community service managers are also responsible for the administrative aspects of community programs, working with stakeholders to meet objectives, plan and manage outreach and awareness campaigns, and write proposals for community services funding.
Degree requirements
Most positions in social and community service management require a bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or a related field. However, some jobs may require a master’s degree. Strong analytical, communication, time management, and problem-solving skills are key to a career in social and community service management.
University of Toronto • Toronto
UTor Healthcare Leadership
Enrollment Type
Part-Time
Length of Program
6 weeks
Admission Requirements
Contact the school for current admission requirements.
The London School of Economics and Political Science • London
Health Economics and Policy Online Certificate Course
Enrollment Type
Part-Time
Length of Program
6 weeks
Admission Requirements
Contact the school for current admission requirements.
Harvard University • Cambridge, MA
Global Health Delivery
Enrollment Type
Part-Time
Length of Program
10 weeks
Admission Requirements
Contact the school for current admission requirements.
Stanford University • Stanford, CA
Healthcare Leadership
Enrollment Type
Part-Time
Length of Program
8 weeks
Admission Requirements
Contact the school for current admission requirements.
Top-paying locations and industries for public health jobs
Besides the 10 highest paid public health jobs listed above, we have compiled a list of the top-paying locations and industries for certain public health jobs. All data has been gathered from the BLS.
Top-paying locations and industries for health education specialists (May 2024)
Top 5 paying industries (annual mean wage):
- Wholesale trade agents and brokers
- Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods
- Federal executive branch
- Scientific research and development services
- Junior colleges
Top 5 paying states (annual mean wage):
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- Georgia
- New Jersey
- Oregon
Top 5 paying metropolitan areas (annual mean wage):
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: $117,280
- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA: $106,910
- Eugene-Springfield, OR: $90,840
- Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT: $90,770
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $89,920
Top-paying locations and industries for health and safety engineers (May 2024)
Top 5 paying industries (annual mean wage):
- Oil and gas extraction
- Office administrative services
- Petroleum and coal products manufacturing
- Scientific research and development services
- Merchant wholesalers
Top 5 paying states (annual mean wage):
- Washington
- District of Columbia
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Texas
Top 5 paying metropolitan areas (annual mean wage):
- Kennewick-Richland, WA: $148,680
- Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area: $148,670
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $148,170
- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA: $136,360
- New Orleans-Metairie, LA: $135,710
Top-paying locations and industries for environmental scientists and specialists (May 2024)
Top 5 paying industries (annual mean wage):
- Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods
- Petroleum and coal products manufacturing
- Oil and gas extraction
- Natural gas distribution
- Chemical manufacturing
Top 5 paying states (annual mean wage):
- District of Columbia
- California
- Massachusetts
- Georgia
- Illinois
Top 5 paying metropolitan areas (annual mean wage):
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $120,760
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: $119,560
- College Station-Bryan, TX: $117,920
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: $115,190
- Kennewick-Richland, WA: $113,800
Top-paying locations and industries for medical and services managers (May 2024)
Top 5 paying industries (annual mean wage):
- Spectator sports
- Insurance and employee benefit funds
- Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
- Scientific research and development services
- Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods
Top 5 paying states (annual mean wage):
- New York
- District of Columbia
- New Jersey
- Georgia
- Washington
Top 5 paying metropolitan areas (annual mean wage):
- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA: $185,550
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ: $183,580
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: $180,440
- Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area: $178,700
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $176,010
Top-paying locations and industries for statisticians (May 2024)
Top 5 paying industries (annual mean wage):
- Merchant wholesalers, non-durable goods
- Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
- Software publishers
- Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers
- Aerospace products and parts manufacturing
Top 5 paying states (annual mean wage):
- New York
- District of Columbia
- California
- North Carolina
- Maryland
Top 5 paying metropolitan areas (annual mean wage):
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $174,200
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ: $144,690
- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY: $143,690
- Raleigh-Cary, NC: $141,050
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: $140.290
Top-paying locations and industries for epidemiologists (May 2024)
Top 5 paying industries (annual mean wage):
- Scientific research and development services
- Offices of physicians
- Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
- Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals
- General medical and surgical hospitals
Top 5 paying states (annual mean wage):
- District of Columbia
- Wisconsin
- Massachusetts
- California
- North Carolina
Top 5 paying metropolitan areas (annual mean wage):
- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC: $143,560
- Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY: $142,220
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: $136,460
- Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH: $114,540
- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: $114,400
FAQ on public health jobs and salaries
If you still have questions after reading about the highest-paying careers in public health, refer to the frequently asked questions below or learn more with our guide What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?
Per the above list of highest-paying public health jobs, computer and information system managers, attorneys, medical and health services managers, health and safety engineers, and biostatisticians were among the top paid public health careers in 2024.
Information last updated October 2025.