Master's in Public Health Salary - Master's in Public Health Degree Programs

Master in Public Health Salary

Considering an advanced degree in public health? The growing field of public health has the noble focus of protecting people by preventing diseases and promoting health. Public health professionals confront health issues such as infectious disease, environmental hazards, violence, smoking, maternal and child health, substance abuse, occupational health issues and more. The exciting field of public health draws from a variety of backgrounds, and public health professionals work collaboratively with individuals, governments, and everything in between.

Prior to launching a public health career, it would be smart to see if going through the expense of time and finances to get a Master’s in Public Health is a financially sound decision. Is a Master’s in Public Health salary high enough? Will a Master of Public Health salary be enough to pay the bills in my area of interest?

Public health positions typically fall into one of five categories. These are Biostatistics, Environmental Health Science, Epidemiology, Disaster and Emergency Management and Readiness, and Health Services Administration. Within these specializations there is a wide array of job titles. A graduate degree in public health can pave the way to opportunities in a number of careers within the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

So, exactly how much can you make with an MPH degree? Master of Public Health salaries vary by years of experience, background, and location, as well as demand for your specialization. Master of Public Health salaries vary quite a bit depending on specialization. And with public health being such a broad area of study, it can be difficult to determine the earnings potential of an MPH holder. A Master in Public Health salary varies.

Although the field of public health improves the lives of many, does it pay the bills? Will a Master’s in Public Health salary make getting an advanced degree in public health, such as an MPH, a good financial decision? Read on to find out more about the sMaster in Public Health salary possibilities that can be yours with a master’s in public health.

What is a Master of Public Health?

Professionals with a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) degree possess a multidisciplinary degree with a focus on implementations that will protect, promote and improve health in communities. The broad field of public health offers employment opportunities to those with a variety of interests, skills, and experience. Whether someone is math-oriented, people-focused, business-oriented, or research-based, public health will have something for everyone. Many public health professionals gain personal and professional satisfaction in their work, knowing it directly improves the health and lives of other people.

There are Master’s in Public Health degree programs that offer a “generalist” MPH degree program, with opportunities for students to narrow their focus through electives. More so than not, MPH students will be faced with choosing a concentration. Concentrations can include: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Policy and Management, Leadership in Public Health, Nutrition, Community Health, and more. Does a Master of Public Health Epidemiology salary vary greatly from other Public Health masters salary?

Whether they choose a concentration or generalist MPH education, graduates can anticipate going on to work in a wide variety of fields. A Masters in Public Health salary can be more than enough for many working in this interesting field.

Does the Master’s in Public Health salary vary by Specialization?

Master’s of Public Health salaries vary quite widely depending on specialization, years of experience, background, location and demand for specialization in your area. Salary information was derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Median salaries listed indicated half of the people working in that job make more than the listed salary, and half make less.

Biostatisticians

Biostatisticians with an MPH work to identify health trends in populations, and analyze the effectiveness of programs on the health of the community. With a median pay of $93,270, Biostatisticians can make a difference in public health through healthcare research. Biostatisticians often work in government agencies, research companies, medical manufacturing companies, public health organizations , or pharmaceutical companies. The lowest 10 percent salaries earned less than $52,700, and the highest 10 percent salaries earned more than $150,840.

Environmental Health Scientists

Environmental Health Scientists with an MPH often work to mitigate, prevent and manage public exposure to environmental factors that can have adverse effects on public health. With median salaries around $73,230, Environmental Health Scientists are often employed by environmental protection organizations at federal, state and local levels. Sometimes people in this area get further specialization in areas such as global health, environmental health policy, or toxicology. The lowest 10 percent salaries earned less than $42,960, and the highest 10 percent salaries earned more than $129,450.

Epidemiology

Holders of an MPH degree with a focus on Epidemiology look at controlling diseases and injuries and identify causes and populations at risk. With a median salary of $74,560, Epidemiologists work to relieve difficulties that may arise during a public health situation. In this exciting field, workers may educate people in public health practices, may work in a lab, or work in a government health department office. The lowest 10 percent salaries earned was less than $49,140, and the highest 10 percent salaries earned more than $126,040.

Disaster and emergency management workers

Disaster and emergency management and readiness workers with their MPH can anticipate a median income of $76,250 per year. If evaluating disasters and executing a response is your thing, there is a high demand for experts in this field who can manage and decrease the effects during a disaster. These well paid public health workers often work in state and local government, as well as hospitals, private companies or nonprofit organizations. The lowest 10 percent salary earned less than $42,230, and the highest 10 percent salary earned more than $142,870.

Health Services Administrators

Health Services Administrators with an MPH typically have fiscal and human resources responsibilities, and can expect to earn a median income of $104,280 per year. Administrators in healthcare can expect a Master’s of Public Health salary that is robust, and can expect growth in this field. These health services administrators and managers coordinate, plan and direct medical and health services in their organization. With knowledge of healthcare law, regulations and technology, these public health professionals often manage a healthcare facility, a clinical area or department, or a medical practice. The lowest 10 percent salaries earned less than $59,980, and the highest 10 percent salaries earned more than $195,630.

What other job opportunities for MPH holders are there, and how much do they make?

The public health sector has a wide scope of public health jobs. Health and safety regulations are upheld by public health administration, health and safety engineers and many others with public health jobs. Health and safety regulations help protect and promote public health at home and globally.

There are many job titles held by MPH holders, with wide ranging salaries depending on the profession, location, experience and demand. Nurses, doctors, educators, and social workers can all pursue an MPH degree. The job outlook in all these professions is well above average, according to BLS.Gov, and adding the MPH degree to these professional degrees will only improve prospects.

Other rewarding public health careers with a good Master’s of Public Health salary can include Community Health Workers, Environmental Health Specialist, Public Health Educators, Health Promotion Specialist, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, Research Assistant, Public Health Program Coordinator, and Health and Safety Engineers, to name a few possible titles someone seeking a good Master’s of Public Health salary may be looking for.

What are the dual degrees offered with the MPH?

There are dual degrees that are sure to boost yearly income. Commonly held dual degrees include: MBA/MPH, MSW/MPH, MSN/MPH, and MD/MPH. Students in law school, dental school, veterinarian school, dietitian programs and other health-related degrees may also find programs with a dual degree in public health. These dual degrees help students optimize time and cost and provide the benefit of public health training.

Many public health professionals seeking to improve their job and income potential pursue the MBA MPH dual degree. This dual MBA MPH degree can open doors for advanced leadership and administrative roles within healthcare, with increased income potential. Graduates of a MBA MPH program can expect to be prepared for a career in the corporate sector, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare organizations. Local and state and federal government agencies, hospitals, higher education and research institutions, and nonprofits would be possible sources of employment for MBA MPH degree holders. The MPH combined with an MBA can open up opportunities for leadership, program development, and public health research, among other things. Health services administrators with an MPH with fiscal and human resources responsibilities earn a median income of $104,280 per year, and those with an MBA can expect higher earnings potential.

Social workers with a MSW MPH dual degree are prepared to assume leadership roles in managed care organizations and hospitals, health departments, federal health agencies, and community-based advocacy organizations. Social workers with the MPH are also prepared for direct patient care, in addition to management and planning roles. Common titles for a MSW MPH degree holder may include Health Educator, Clinical Research Assistant, Behavioral Health Clinician, Program Coordinator, Health Advocacy Director, Health Policy Analyst, Health Commissioner, Hospital Administrator, and Mental Health Researcher among other titles. Social workers have skills that include communication skills, emotional skills, interpersonal skills, organizational, and problem-solving skills. When combined with the MPH degree, these skills make for a valuable employee. Although the median salary is $51,760 per year, once licensed a social worker can expect a higher salary.

Public health professionals with a dual MSN MPH degree have the skills to pursue professional careers in both nursing and public health. With the possibility of qualifying for leadership roles in healthcare, government health organizations, and non-profit organizations locally or abroad, MSN MPH holders will have an advantage in the job market. With expanded skills and knowledge to offer in the workplace, those with an MSN MPH dual degree have broad opportunities available to them. Common titles include Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner, Community Health Nurse, Public Health Nurse, Community Health Director, or Clinical Nurse Researcher, to name a few. A nurse practitioner can expect a median income of $117,670 per year.

Medical doctors with an MPH added to their credentials are prepared to work as a physician in the public health setting,. which can include diagnosing health problems, but are also prepared to determine risk factors for individuals and populations. Doctors may still serve the vulnerable or underserved populations without this added degree. MD MPH salary can be very competitive. Many MD/DOs do research, policy, or public health work without additional degrees. Many doctors pursue a Master’s in Public Health because the return on the educational investment is worth it in their eyes. Medical doctors with a Master of Public Health degree have a solid foundation in both medicine and public health, and are equipped with the skills and knowledge to address health and wellness from the perspective of the individual patient as well as a larger population. In addition, some doctors opt for dual degrees to gain more work opportunities in the increasingly diverse business of healthcare.

Will I earn more with an MPH from a top school?

Although there is no clear answer to this question, one thing that can be counted on by earning the MPH from a top school is that alumni in the workforce will be willing to assist graduates of their alma mater. This can only boost the master’s degree in public health salary.

Many of the top public health schools in the country are in major metropolitan areas that are home to large and well-known healthcare systems, nonprofits, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Graduating from a well-known school may give more opportunity because of the fact that they are in a location where practical experience while in school gives networking opportunities in the field of public health. Master of public health job salary can be boosted by graduating from a top school, but ultimately the masters public health salary has many variables.

Not attending one of the top public health schools? No worries, because the opportunity to maximize your education and potential for earning is still there. Inquire about graduate job placements and alumni salaries to help determine possibilities for yourself post graduation. Master’s of public health salary opportunities vary greatly.

Where can someone looking for a good Master’s of Public Health salary find employment?

Seeking a good Master’s of Public Health salary can lead to a number of prospects in public or private organizations or companies. Options for employers include Center for Disease Control, Red Cross, American Cancer Society, government health departments, food safety companies, universities working in teaching or research, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare administration, disaster management – and the list goes on. Master’s of Public Health salaries and salary expectations over the span of a career can vary greatly with education, experience, and location.

What are the employment prospects for those seeking a high Master’s of Public Health Salary?

Forbes magazine recently boasted of a Master’s of Public Health being the sixth best master’s degree for employment prospects, with a projected employment increase of 30.5% over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) reports updated Master’s of Public Health salary information yearly, as well as job outlook for different careers in the field of Public Health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare is the fastest-growing employment sector, with an employment outlook that is well above average compared to all other careers.

Why do some states have a higher salary rate for MPH graduates while others pay lower?

Supply and demand for public health professionals varies by location and area of specialization, with higher or lower pay scales depending on this. Public health needs and services can be expected to be highest in the most densely populated areas. In areas facing a public health issue that is brought to the forefront, services will be needed and filled by public health professionals. Demographics of the workforce also determines demand, with an aging population retiring or employees leaving for other opportunities.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides occupation-specific statistics for each geographical area of the United States, and is a good place to begin a search for specific information.

Why such a bright outlook for those seeking a great Master’s of Public Health salary?

Once again, the large and aging generation of Baby Boomers contributes to the growing demand for healthcare in general, and public health is riding on that coattail. With a growing elderly population, the need for health services grows as well, increasing the demand for public health professionals, including those in health research, health education and hands-on healthcare services. As Americans suffer from a variety of chronic illnesses that can lead to death and disability, and risk for natural disasters and new epidemics, public health professionals are needed to understand these situations and help create programs and plans to maintain population health and wellbeing. Increased demand in public health services may help facilitate Master of Public Health salaries that grow as well.

Is earning a Master’s in Public Health worth it both financially and in time needed?

If your goal is to prosper as a public health professional and make a difference, then pursuing the MPH is certainly a good option. Although many public health schools are very expensive, many accredited and affordable MPH programs are available. With the option for on-campus or online programs abundant and with full- or part-time study available, it is not uncommon for students to work while completing their advanced degree in public health.

There are many avenues to get you to graduation day with your Master’s in Public Health degree in hand. If you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards (personal, professional, and possibly financial) will be yours.

Should we expect public health to be a growing field?

Above-average growth is expected for many jobs in the public health field between 2020-2030. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an expected increase in jobs for public health related work. Employment pathways in public health include careers in government, education, healthcare, managed care organizations, corporations and non-profit organizations.

Where can one find out more about Master’s of Public Health salaries?

Career and Master’s of Public Health salaries information can be found through the Public Health professional organization. This organization for public health professionals is the American Public Health Association (APHA). APHA’s vision is to “create the healthiest nation in one generation.” APHA promotes health in individual people and communities, and promoties evidence-based perspectives to develop a healthier society. APHA has an effect on public health policy at the federal level and brings together members from all areas of public health. APHA’s mission is to improve the health of the public and achieve health equity within populations. APHA’s values are reflective of the beliefs of their members from all disciplines of public health and in over 40 countries.

By Carol Dolan BS RN BSN CDE

February 2022

Carol graduated with her BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and her BSN in Nursing from Rowan University. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) currently working with adults and children living with Diabetes in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Master’s in Public Health Salary