You can enjoy a fulfilling public health career with an MPH degree, but is earning an mph worth it? Is an MPH degree salary a good one? It depends. Are six-figure public health jobs easy to score after conquering the curriculum? The wrong choice could lead to a long public health stint at a low MPH average salary. Here are four popular MPH concentrations and your potential income in each specialty. The starting salary for MPH graduates can be expected to grow as time goes on.
Biostatistics
To earn good money in public health, you must master mathematics. An MPH biostatistics salary can make over $100,000 as data scientists at pharmaceutical companies or research consultants at universities. Whenever a physician, pharmacist or researcher needs a helping hand with study design or analysis, biostatisticians step in. To join this profession, you’ll spend two years immersed in statistics, research methodology and high-level mathematics. Depending on the school you attend, you will earn an MS in Biostatistics or an MPH with a Biostatistics concentration.
Epidemiology 
An Epidemiologist with a master of public health is a disease detective. As an epidemiologist, you’ll split your time between the lab and the road. Epidemiologists swoop in whenever disease threatens a population. This type of work requires strong mathematical skills to analyze data, investigative prowess to chase down clues and a willingness to work long hours in the middle of outbreaks. In exchange, you’ll earn an endless supply of adventurous tales to share at cocktail parties and an average salary MPH of $69,660 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Health Education
If you’re entering public health strictly for the salary, then becoming one of the needed health educators is not the specialty for you. As a new master of public health graduate, you’ll likely to earn an MPH salary of $30,000 to $50,000 on the front lines at a non-profit organization leading health programs possibly in community health. You can work your way up the career ladder as one of the public health professionals, especially if you pursue a dual master’s degree MPH/MBA or MPH/MPA degree, but your biggest reward will be knowing you’ve made a difference in the health of your community. Health educators work hard to promote community health. However, health education careers can come with major perks, like flexible hours, part-time work and a relaxed office culture. Biostatisticians and epidemiologists in stuffy corporate jobs can’t waltz into the office at noon; as a health educator, you can shape your schedule around community events – and your life.
Global Health
Global or international health is one of the most popular public health specialties for public health professionals. Whether you want to work for the WHO, start your own non-profit or travel the globe as a consultant, a master’s degree from an accredited public health program with international coursework should be the first stop on your itinerary. While starting salaries are small, with volunteer service in the U. S. Peace Corps, Global Health Corps or similar programs almost mandatory, your mid-career earnings can be surprisingly large. When you’re working internationally, you can expect your employer to arrange housing, pay your travel expenses, and provide a car and driver. This lets you bank your salary for long trips back home – or around the globe.
You’re not considering public health solely for the money. Before you commit to two or three years of graduate study and the accompanying student loans, decide how you’re going to leverage your education. You can make good money with an MPH degree if you choose a strategic specialization paired with a smart career plan.
What is the job outlook for public health workers
Master’s degree holders can expect above-average employment growth for many jobs in the public health field between 2020-2030. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) reports an increase growth in jobs for public health related jobs. Public health jobs can be found in local government, federal government, education, healthcare, managed care organizations, corporations and non-profit organizations. Median salary expectations in the public health space and the health industry in general are growing as well.
Where do I find information regarding job-related statistics in different areas of the country?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) has job specific statistics for each geographical and state in the United States. This is an excellent place to begin searching for information on median salary for jobs in your state, and may help guide you if considering relocation.
What are some other job titles for public health workers?
Public health professional jobs for those with a master of public health can have many titles. Environmental health scientists work to keep environmental health safe for people and animals. Public health organizations are working to solve complex public health problems and employ people to work in disease control, help promote positive health behaviors, health promotion, develop health policy and more. Public health agencies hire people who have graduated from master’s degree programs and are beginning their work as a public health professional and are ready to solve public health challenges with their health science background. Public health nurses, professors, emergency services manager, health services administration, public health social worker, occupational health and safety manager, and the list goes on. The public health workforce is an important piece of containing infectious diseases, and public health and safety.
Where can one find out more about MPH holder salaries?
More public health career and MPH jobs salary information can be found through the American Public Health Association (APHA). APHA’s vision is to “create the healthiest nation in one generation.” APHA promotes public health in individuals and the community, and promotes evidence-based information to help improve public health develop a healthier society. APHA has influence on public health policy at the federal level and brings together APHA members from all areas of public health. APHA’s mission is to improve public health and achieve health equity within populations. APHA’s values reflect the beliefs of members from all public health disciplines and has members from over 40 countries.
MPH staff, 2023
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