<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="3" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> UNC's Online Master of Public Health Program </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> UNC's Online MPH: Full-Time and Part-Time Options. GRE Not Required. </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Advance your public health career with UNC's online Master of Public Health program. Learn more.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-3" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-3" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://onlinemph.unc.edu/requestinfo/index/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://coins2day.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UNC-MPH_GILLINGS_School_Vertical_RGB.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://onlinemph.unc.edu/requestinfo/index/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="4" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> MPH@Simmons </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Earn Your MPH Online. No GRE Required. </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>MPH@Simmons is designed to give you the real-world skills you need to positively impact public health and address health inequity on a local, national, and global level.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-4" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-4" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://online.simmons.edu/requestinfo/mph/">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://coins2day.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SC-ENT_University_MPH_Color_Stacked.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://online.simmons.edu/requestinfo/mph/">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="5" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> MPH@GW: An Online MPH With Connections in Washington, D.C. </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> No GRE Required to Apply to GW's 12-Month Online MPH </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Customize Your Degree Through Electives. Accelerated One-Year Online Program!</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-5" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-5" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/requestinfo/index/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://coins2day.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GWU_University_Stacked_RGB_COLOR_2C_900x900.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/requestinfo/index/">Learn More</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

ad_Public-health

cat_Other

Low Intent

ptype_Explainer

Rich Griset

<p>Even before the pandemic hit, the field of public health had been experiencing explosive growth, with the number of public health degrees awarded swelling by<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0033354918791542"> more than 300% from 1992 to 2016</a>. Interest in medical professions surged even more after the appearance of COVID-19 on the global stage, with some master’s degree programs in public health (MPH) seeing the largest ever year-over-year increase in applications in their history. That interest hasn’t waned much.</p><div class="paywall-selector"></div><div class="paywall">



<p>“Students are still very interested across all the different areas of public health,” says Toy Draine, director of career services at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. “The program continues to grow, and our student population continues to grow.”</p>



<p>For those who are interested in pursuing public health jobs, here are 10 of the field’s top-paying roles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>10. Public health director</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies:</strong> Bipartisan Policy Center, Amazon, City of Detroit</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Public health directors work for governments at the state or local level to manage public healthcare organizations and programs. This role creates and manages programs to improve the overall well being of a population. Public health directors tackle health challenges at the administrative level by consulting with other public health professionals, developing budgets, and reviewing data. They also hold hearings regarding public health issues, create emergency response plans, and report to public health boards of directors.</p>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong> $93,124, according to<a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/director-of-public-health-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm#:~:text=%24132K&amp;text=How%20accurate%20is%20a%20total,our%20pay%20estimates%20over%20time."> Glassdoor</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> Boston, Mass. ($121,742), Columbia, S.C. ($100,783), Minneapolis, Minn. ($100,076), according to<a href="https://www.zippia.com/salaries/public-health-director/#by-location"> Zippia</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>9. Public health advisor</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies:</strong> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene </p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Public health advisors offer guidance and advice to government officials regarding community health. They work with medical and governmental personnel to create policies to address health issues. Often employed by federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, this role serves as the link between private medical personnel and the government.</p>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong> $94,165, according to<a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Public-Health-Advisor-Salary"> ZipRecruiter</a>.</p>



<p>Top-paying localities: Berkeley, Calif. ($114,003), New York, N.Y. ($109,618), Renton, Wash. ($109,289), according to<a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Public-Health-Advisor-Salary"> ZipRecruiter</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>8. Environmental health and safety officer</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies: </strong>Trane Technologies, Dunson and Associates, National Composites</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Environmental health and safety officers ensure that organizations comply with environmental laws and promote safe working practices. They monitor business operations to identify possible hazards and create procedures and policies to protect employees. This role may work for a single organization or contract to multiple organizations. </p>



<p><strong>Salary</strong>: $100,120, according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/environmental-health-and-safety-officer/salaries?from=top_sb"> Indeed</a></p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> Marlborough, N.H. ($119,585), Springfield, Mo. ($109,758), Chicago, Ill. (106,263), according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/environmental-health-and-safety-officer/salaries?from=top_sb"> Indeed</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>7. Research scientist</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies:</strong> NVIDIA, Citizens, Meta</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> In the realm of public health, research scientists usually specialize in a certain aspect of tackling widespread health problems. By conducting experiments and investigations, they’re able to grapple with chronic diseases, poor nutrition, antibiotic resistance, and maternal mortality.</p>



<p>“They design and perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and publish findings to advance knowledge and inform public health practices,” Draine says.</p>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong> $101,547, according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/research-scientist/salaries?from=top_sb"> Indeed</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> Menlo Park, Calif. ($168,417), Berkeley, Calif. ($123,453), San Diego, Calif. ($121,238), according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/research-scientist/salaries?from=top_sb"> Indeed</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>6. Medical and health services manager</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies: </strong>AlliedMedix Resources, Advanced Medical and Professional Solutions, Physical Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine Institute</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Medical and health services managers work behind the scenes to ensure that nursing homes, hospitals, and other group health facilities run smoothly. They plan, direct, and coordinate the actions of these facilities, and frequently liaise between administrators, doctors, and health insurance representatives. This role requires detail-oriented people with good analytical, communication, technical, and problem-solving skills.</p>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong> $110,680, according to<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1"> BLS</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> Trenton, N.J. ($193,730), San Francisco, Calif. ($186,560), New York, N.Y. ($ 179,330), according to<a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119111.htm#st"> BLS</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>5. Public health consultant</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies:</strong> Triage Consulting Group, PwC, and Floyd Lee Locums</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Public health consultants work with businesses, communities, healthcare facilities, and government agencies to improve a population’s overall health. By providing information to these groups, public health consultants can directly impact the health of the public through improved policies and programs. This role also involves conducting research and, presenting findings to governmental agencies.</p>



<p>Public health consultants “have expertise in analyzing health data, development of public health strategies, evaluation of public health programs, and assisting with the development of policy with the goal of improvement of specific health challenges,” Draine says.</p>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong> $112,000, according to<a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/healthcare-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm"> Glassdoor</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> Berkeley, Calif. ($92,733), Bailey’s Crossroads, Va. ($88,179), Daly City, Calif. ($87,761), according to<a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Public-Health-Consultant-Salary#Yearly"> ZipRecruiter</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>4. Executive health director</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies:</strong> Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Alexion Pharmaceuticals</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Executive health directors oversee the delivery of healthcare services to communities on behalf of nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits. They make decisions about an organization’s budget and operations, and supervise its daily activities. They also manage program development, marketing, human resources, and fundraising.</p>



<p>“They are responsible for creating strategies and overseeing operations,” Draine says. “In this role they manage the budget of their organization and are the guiding force to [implement] public health programs and policies for improvement of community health.”</p>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong> $121,754, according to<a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/health-executive-director-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm"> Glassdoor</a>.</p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> San Buenaventura, Calif. ($169,832), Berkeley, Calif. ($117,542), New York, N.Y. ($113,721), according to<a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Executive-Medical-Director-Salary"> ZipRecruiter</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3. Biostatistician</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies:</strong> MWIDM Inc., Smith Hanley Associates LLC, Parexel</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Biostatisticians research public health topics using math and statistics. Through their high-level scientific research and analysis of information and data pulled from clinical research studies, biostatisticians can make data-driven decisions about the implementation of public health policies. In the context of public health, they figure out the best way to use resources to treat populations.</p>



<p><strong>Salary: </strong>$125,350, according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/biostatistician/salaries"> Indeed</a>. </p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> Raleigh, N.C. ($159,790), Chicago, Ill. ($157,600), Redwood City, Calif. ($153,118), according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/biostatistician/salaries"> Indeed</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. Natural sciences manager</strong> </h2>



<p><strong>Top-paying companies:</strong> Genentech, Chevron, Novartis</p>



<p><strong>Description:</strong> Natural sciences managers are administrators who oversee teams of researchers, scientists, and technicians. Through the creation of research strategies, natural science managers lead these teams to achieve an organization’s goals. This role also communicates between researchers and management, determines staffing needs, oversees project resources, and evaluates the operations of an organization’s teams.</p>



<p>“A natural sciences manager within the public health space conducts research and development,” Draine says. “In addition, they manage data collection and analysis with the goal of making sure that scientific projects align with their organization’s public health objectives.”</p>



<p><strong>Salary:</strong> $157,740, according to the<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm"> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. </p>



<p><strong>Top-paying localities:</strong> Boston, Mass. ($222,080), New York, N.Y. ($199,990), Washington, D.C. ($166,780), according to<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/natural-sciences-managers.htm"> BLS</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. Medical director</strong> </h2>



<p>Top-paying companies: VitalCore Health Strategies, Premise Health, Takeda Pharmaceuticals</p>



<p>Description: Medical directors manage a medical center or hospital’s daily operations. They guide and oversee the care that is provided at a facility and enact preventative measures to curb the transmission of disease. This leadership role provides a vision for quality improvement, organizes employee training, assesses the quality of healthcare services, and generally promotes the health and wellbeing of both patients and employees.</p>



<p>“A medical director in public health is usually a senior physician,” Draine says. “This role coordinates clinical aspects of public health programs and guides healthcare strategies and ensures compliance with health regulations.”</p>



<p>Salary: $199,661, according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/medical-director/salaries"> Indeed</a>.</p>



<p>Top-paying localities: Mishawaka, Ind. ($246,546), New Orleans, La. ($233,428), Bridgewater, N.J. ($219,879), according to<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/medical-director/salaries"> Indeed</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The takeaway</strong></h2>



<p>With the<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm"> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a> projecting 1.8 million job openings per year in healthcare through 2032, public health remains an in-demand field that’s perfect for people who want to make a difference.</p>



<p>For those who wish to learn more about public health, Draine recommends checking out the websites of public health organizations like the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, and the Pan American Health Organization.</p>



<p>“It always feels like we’re building a public health army to get out there and help prevent disease, prevent chronic illnesses and try to impact policy,” Draine says. “If anyone is interested in doing that, public health is a good place to be.”</p>



<div class="wp-block-group pro-tip-box-widget"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
<h3 class="wp-block-heading pro-tip-box-heading">Read more</h3>



<li>If you want to find great resources to become a health coach, check out the <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/articles/best-health-coach-certifications/">best health coach certifications</a>.</li>
<li>Interested in a psychology degree? Here are some of the <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/health/best-online-masters-in-psychology-degree-programs/">best online masters in psychology programs</a> you can find.</li>
<li>Want a more flexible way to earn an online master’s degree in nursing? Explore our list of the <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/health/best-online-msn-nurse-practitioner-programs/%22">best online MSN nurse practitioner programs</a>.</li>
<li>Choose one of the <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/health/best-online-masters-in-public-health-programs/">best online masters in public health programs</a> to help you find the right school for you.</li>
<li>Our ranking of the <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/health/best-online-masters-in-nursing/">best online masters in nursing programs</a> can be a useful tool in your search for advanced online learning.</li>
<li>Many universities offer <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/health/most-affordable-online-msn-nurse-practitioner-programs/">affordable online MSN nurse practitioner programs</a>.</li>
<li>For those looking to learn the basics of nutrition, one of the programs in our list of the <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/articles/best-nutritionist-certifications/">best nutritionist certifications</a> is a great first step.</li>
<li>Fulfill your ambitions of being a personal trainer with one of the <a href="https://coins2day.com/education/articles/best-personal-trainer-certifications/">best personal trainer certification</a> programs. </li>
</div></div>
</div>

After the pandemic shined a spotlight on public health, it remains an in-demand field.

10 of the highest-paying public health jobs right now

Friendly female doctor discusses healthcare with senior member of community during health fair

F-Search

Roundup

Career Hub

Jasmine Suarez

Education Articles

Health and Wellness

Public health remains an in-demand and well-paying field.

10 high-paying public health jobs right now

Fortune earns a commission for purchases made from affiliate partners via some links on our site; other links are not affiliate partner links. <a href='/affiliate-disclosure/'>Click here</a> to read the full Fortune advertiser disclosure and how we earn commissions.

We have independently evaluated the products and services below. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in the content.

Fortune Editors

Fortune Education is designed to be your guide to navigating this new, rich and somewhat overwhelming world of education. Our team of experienced editors is committed to scouring the universe of online offerings in order to rank, rate, provide comparisons and recommend the right solutions for you and your career.

Fortune Education

Uncategorized

homepage

articles

Articles Hub

By Region

By State

By Cost

Business

Tech

EDUCATION

CAREER HUB

10 OF THE HIGHEST-PAYING PUBLIC HEALTH JOBS RIGHT NOW

10 of the highest-paying public health jobs right now | Fortune Education

Preston Fore

These are the nation's fastest growing jobs—and many pay $100k

https://coins2day.com/education/careers/bls-occupation-projections/?itm_source=parsely-api

A guide to a nurse’s salary: Broken down by all 50 states and industry type

https://coins2day.com/education/careers/nurse-salary/?itm_source=parsely-api

https://coins2day.com/education/careers/public-health-jobs/?itm_source=parsely-api

Brit Morse

A law associate making $300,000 a year at Skadden Arps quit over the firm’s deal with Donald Trump

/article/rachel-cohen-making-300k-year-law-associate-skadden-arps-quit-protest-firms-deal-trump/

Get ready to pay more than $2,000 for a new iPhone: Experts say Trump’s 125% tariff on China is a ‘complete disaster for Apple’ akin to ‘Armageddon’

/2025/04/10/apple-iphone-16-price-complete-disaster-china-trump-tariffs/

It’s about to get a lot harder for job seekers as tariffs are set to make the hiring landscape even more daunting

/2025/04/07/trump-tariffs-labor-market-more-challenging-job-seekers-economists-say/

This company does peer performance reviews—And then lets everyone read each other’s evaluations

/2025/03/24/performance-review-process-company-allows-all-workers-read-garner-health-workplace-culture/

2024 health coach certification review: Catalyst Coaching Institute

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-catalyst-coaching-institute/

/education/careers/nurse-salary/

2024 health coach certification review: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-institute-for-integrative-nutrition/

/education/careers/public-health-jobs/

Whether you’ve just completed your undergraduate degree or you are a professional with years of experience, Fortune is here to guide you on the next step of your educational journey.

Education

10 high-paying public health jobs right now

About the Contributors

Top Articles

These are the nation's fastest growing jobs—and many pay $100k

A guide to a nurse’s salary: Broken down by all 50 states and industry type

10 high-paying public health jobs right now

MPH@GW: An Online MPH With Connections in Washington, D.C.