high-paying jobs with MPH
featured

5 High-Paying Jobs with a Master’s in Public Health

Healthcare and taking care of ourselves has never been more critical, especially with new variants of Covid-19 and the aging baby boomer population.

In both these instances, we turn to educated, trained, and skilled public health professionals to aid, assist, and coordinate decision-making processes, design treatment plans, and help manage any vaccine roll-outs needed.

Plus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations is $77,760, much higher than the median annual wage of all occupations of $46,310, making this a rewarding and lucrative career path.

Let’s look at five high-paying jobs candidates can obtain with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree.

What is a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) Degree?

A Master’s in Public Health (MPH) is a graduate-level degree that emphasizes the practical aspects of public health by educating and building skills in epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, biostatistics, program planning, and evaluation.

In doing so, these interdisciplinary programs prepare students for roles that protect and improve the health of entire populations through community awareness efforts about injury, violence prevention, infectious diseases, and other health and safety issues.

Master’s in Public Health degree programs also ensure students learn how to tackle the challenging issues that affect communities, work with other healthcare professionals and people across industries, and educate the public about best healthcare practices.

Candidates can expect to earn an online Master’s in Public Health in as little as one year if attending full-time or within four to five years if attending part-time and can also enroll in online or in-person programs. Keep in mind that programs will differ depending on the college or university, so students should research to know what will be expected of them.

Where do Master’s in Public Health Graduates Work?

Public health professionals are in high demand, and graduates of Master’s in Public Health programs are ready to work in a variety of areas and settings.

Graduates find work in the following areas:

  • Research
  • Community Health
  • Health Departments
  • Education
  • Nutrition
  • Government Agencies
  • Non-profit Organizations

Five High-Paying Jobs with a Master’s in Public Health Degree

Master’s in Public Health degrees enable candidates to meet their personal and professional development goals through various rewarding and financially lucrative careers.

1. Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who study the patterns and causes of disease to reduce adverse health outcomes through community education and helping public leaders write health policies.

These individuals direct and plan studies of public health problems by collecting and analyzing information from surveys, interviews, and medical samples. They then share their findings with health practitioners to develop treatment plans and with policymakers to formulate public health laws.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), epidemiologists earn a median annual salary of $78,520, with the highest ten percent earning more than $123,430. Additionally, employment is projected to grow twenty-seven percent by 2032, much faster than the average of all occupations.

2. Health Services Manager

Also referred to as healthcare executives, health services managers are responsible for managing healthcare facilities, directing clinical departments, or overseeing physicians’ medical practices.

Health service managers find work as nursing home administrators, health information managers, and clinic managers. They will typically perform the following tasks and duties:

  • Develop goals and objectives related to efficiency and quality of healthcare services
  • Ensure healthcare facilities comply with laws and regulations
  • Prepare and oversee budgets and finances, including patient fees and billing
  • Create work schedules

The median annual wage for health services managers is $104,830, with the highest ten percent earning more than $209,990. Furthermore, employment in this role is expected to grow twenty-eight percent by 2032, making it a popular occupation for candidates with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree.

3. Health Education Specialists

Health education specialists teach individuals and communities about behaviors and strategies that promote and improve their wellness and well-being.

Additionally, these healthcare professionals evaluate the effectiveness of their programs, provide training for other healthcare workers, and advocate for improved health resources and policies.

Health education specialists make a median annual salary of $59,990, with the highest ten percent earning more than $106,210. Individuals interested in this profession can also expect an employment growth rate of seven percent by 2032, resulting in an average of about 6,600 openings each year.

4. Substance Abuse Counselors

Substance abuse counselors help clients dealing with addictive behavior by incorporating methods and techniques to begin recovery from drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders, or behavioral issues.

Clients learn to modify their behavior and address any underlying traumas or issues through treatment plans, coping mechanisms, aftercare plans, and meetings with family members for additional support.

For individuals passionate about healthcare and mental health, a career as a substance abuse counselor would be a great choice. Candidates can expect to earn a median annual wage of $49,710, with the highest ten percent earning more than $82,710. Employment is also projected to grow eighteen percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

5. Biostatistician

Those interested in conducting research and using that information to design clinical trials and evaluate the effectiveness of new pharmaceuticals should consider an exciting career as a biostatistician.

These individuals are responsible for designing, analyzing, and completing statistical studies to further medical knowledge. Furthermore, biostatisticians can study medical procedures, genetic data, and disease rates, design clinical trials for new drugs, and even analyze environmental pollutants and their effect on populations’ health.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that statisticians, which biostatisticians fall under, make a median annual salary of $112,110, with the highest ten percent earning more than $171,540. Their projected employment growth rate is also relatively high at thirty percent by 2032.

These five well-paying and fulfilling occupations are the tip of the iceberg regarding all available high-paying jobs Master’s of Public Health graduates can pursue. Other high-paying jobs and their median annual salaries, all reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), include:

With many personally, professionally, and financially rewarding in-demand jobs, there’s no better time to pursue a Master’s of Public Health (MPH).

Plus, with University of Bridgeport’s six start dates, seven-week terms, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and twelve to fifteen-month accelerated options, students can determine a schedule that fits their needs and goals. Find out more information by contacting us, or go ahead and apply.

Don’t wait; start your future today at the University of Bridgeport and our online Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program!