Once deciding on any healthcare career, the natural instinct is to be curious about salary expectations. There are several considerations to be made regarding compensation that goes beyond just salary prospects.
Public Health careers have been estimated to have substantial job growth projections (via the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources) that range from 15-27% between 2014-2024, depending on educational level and specialty. While entry public health positions are available with a bachelor degree, the Master of Public Health (MPH) is preferred and receive the higher salaries. Best Medical Degrees has researched and ranked by tuition, program length and accreditation of 25 Most Affordable Online MPH programs which can help you in finding the right educational program for your career goals.
The public health specialty area you choose will have an influence on your salary. Compensation will additionally depend on your degree, geographic location and type of employer (i.e., private company or public agency). The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates salary ranges from the lowest 10% earning $23,660 to the upper 10% earning a high salary of $130,000 per year.
Public Health Generalist
Unfortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a specific salary category for public health generalists. The closest match is the bureau's health service managers category, which cites a median salary expectation of $95,540 annually. PayScale, an online salary analysis service, estimates public health generalists can earn between $44,091 and $85,100.
Epidemiology
The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the median salary at $70,820 with the higher salary coming in at $114,510. The BLS estimates the lower salary for epidemiology at $63,840. Higher salaries may be found in research and development organizations with the lower compensation levels in local government agencies.
Biostatistics
This career option can earn you an average salary of $80,900, with top 10% earners making $130,090 and the lower 10% earning $46,500. The highest paid employer for statisticians is the federal government with scientific and development services coming in second.
Environmental Health
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental health specialists may earn an average salary of $68,910 upwards to $120,320 annually. Employment may be found in organizations focusing on technical, scientific and management services. Other opportunities may be in state, local and federal government agencies.
Social and Behavioral Health
Salary expectation information is scant for this specialty. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has no specific information; and, the best estimates provided by the online salary service, PayScale, provide an average of $79,750 up to $95,000 depending on experience and education.
Emergency and Disaster Preparedness
Looking at the Bureau of Labor Statistics information for emergency management directors, the average salary comes in at $70,500 with the upper 10% earning $133,880 and the bottom range earning a $36,760 annually salary.
Although this list is certainly not exhaustive in terms of public health specialties and salaries, it hopefully can give you an idea of compensation available for those with an MPH. When considering compensation, it's important to also factor in employee benefits such as retirement plans, health insurance and paid sick and vacation leave.