Consider these 5 promising public health career paths

It seems like there are new health crises arising almost daily, from bird flu to measles to the still-present COVID-19. Fortunately, there are professionals who have made it their mission to tackle these serious problems and help fight disease on a national and global scale. These increasing health challenges have also created a lot of job growth and career opportunities in public health.

So why is public health a good career path? A public health career can mean secure employment, strong job growth, and the chance to have a meaningful impact. Public health professionals work on a larger scale than other fields in healthcare, striving to prevent and solve these immense health issues on a community, country, and global level.

What is a public health career?

As the name suggests, public health is a field focused on the health of a population, including how it relates to governmental policies and assistance. Someone who works in public health makes determinations about the best way to handle issues regarding epidemiology, disease prevention and management, and general hygiene. 

In general, public health professionals track and respond to outbreaks of disease, as well as work towards promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing disease and injury, and addressing the causes of racial and economic disparities in healthcare.

Is public health a good career?

While many careers in public health provide good salaries, people often also have altruistic intentions for entering the field with the desire to help their communities. They see the bigger picture when it comes to human health and want to have a more meaningful impact.

Rather than seeing patients one-on-one, people in public health careers tackle health policies and regulations on a broader scale to have a positive effect both at home and abroad. This can make a public health career path feel deeply fulfilling on both a personal and professional level.

Here are some important factors to consider:

• There are a lot of job opportunities. Per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the US, with an estimated 1.9 million new positions projected between 2023 and 2033.

• It offers the chance for personal growth and fulfillment. Many people find working to improve other's health to be satisfying on a personal and professional level. It can also provide a variety of global cultural experiences that allow you to grow as a human being and learn more about the world around you.

• There are public health career options in a variety of fields. Public health professionals work in many sectors and settings including medicine, social work, government, and beyond. With so many fields to choose from, you’ll be able to find a career that meets your personal and professional goals.

What country is best for a public health career?

As we mentioned earlier, if you’re a US citizen (or someone looking to work here), healthcare is one of the fastest growing employment sectors according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

However, the US isn’t your only good option. Several other countries boast thriving public health systems and offer great opportunities for those desiring a public health career path. 

These countries include:

• Sweden

• Denmark

• Germany

• Finland

• Switzerland

• Norway

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Netherlands

• Japan

What are five high-paying public health careers?

If you’re ready to make a positive impact on your local and global community, there are a wide variety of potential roles to consider in the public health career path, with various salaries, education requirements, and responsibilities. 

The following five public health careers offer some of the highest salaries in the field, as well as above-average projected job growth rates.

1. Biostatistician

Projected job growth (2023-2033): 11%

Median annual salary (as of 2023): $104,860

Biostatisticians perform statistical research in medicine, biology, and public health, such as whether a new drug works, what causes cancer and other diseases, and how long a person with a certain illness is likely to survive. 

They also work in tandem with other professionals, such as epidemiologists, medical researchers, and clinicians, to provide evidence-based resolutions to public health challenges. They may work for a university, government, pharmaceutical company, or hospital. 

A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement for this position, though advancement might require a master's or doctorate degree.

2. Medical and health services manager

Projected job growth (2023-2033): 29%

Median annual salary (as of 2023): $110,860

A medical and health services manager oversees and coordinates services in a hospital or other healthcare facility, medical department, or clinic. This position requires knowledge of ever-changing healthcare regulations, technology, and laws. 

Professionals in this medical manager role may hire and train new staff, establish departmental budgets, and oversee professional development. 

This position often requires a master’s degree and work experience in hospital administration.

3. Computer and information systems manager

Projected job growth (2023-2033): 17%

Median annual salary (as of 2023): $169,510

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and supervise all IT operations within an organization. In the public health field, they’re called clinical informatics specialists or information system managers.

They oversee computer systems and operations for healthcare organizations, including assessing needs, recommending upgrades, detecting and preventing or mitigating data threats, and installing and maintaining new software. 

In general, these positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering. Some organizations also require advanced degrees in healthcare informatics.

4. Environmental scientist

Projected job growth (2023-2033): 7%

Median annual salary (as of 2023): $78,980

Environmental scientists are charged with supporting both the health of the environment as well as human health. They deal with land reclamation, and help develop directives and proposals to reduce pollution of the air and soil. They also perform data collection and distribution of reports to governmental entities, associated businesses, and the general public. 

Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, engineering, or public health. But to advance in this career, a master’s degree will be required.

5. Public health nurse

Projected job growth (2023-2033): 6%

Median annual salary (as of 2023): $86,070

Instead of working in a hospital ward or doctor’s office, public health nurses offer care and education to communities and public groups. This could include making health information available and accessible, educating about vaccinations, or providing prenatal training. 

Along with general nursing duties, public health nurses may also work with government agencies to administer health program budgets or work on behalf of communities to campaign for improved health services, such as for marginalized or underserved groups. 

The minimum education requirement is an associate’s degree in nursing (along with any licensing requirements), though many employers prefer to hire public health nurses with a master’s degree.

If you need help mapping out your career journey, career.io can help. Our Career Pathways tool will help you explore career interests, identify required skills, and stay up-to-date on job demand and salaries to chart your path to career success.

Key takeaways

1. Public health is a healthcare field, but instead of working with patients one-on-one, this career path is focused on the health of a population, including how it relates to governmental policies and assistance.

2. A public health professional makes determinations about the best way to handle issues regarding epidemiology, disease prevention and management, and general hygiene.

3. Although the work can be stressful, the benefits of public health career paths include expanding job opportunities, personal growth and fulfillment, and the chance to work in a wide variety of areas.

4. Many jobs in public health are well paid, with average salaries over $78,000 per year, although most require advanced degrees.