In today’s society, it is not enough to have a bachelor’s degree with such a tight job market. Some companies are looking for applicants who have a graduate degree with more training. While this type of degree looks amazing on a resume, it also comes with a hefty price tag. A study was conducted back in 2004 with shocking results. They found that sixty percent of students who obtained a master’s degree have at least $37,000 in debt after school. With debt like that, it is important to find a great paying job.
To some having nearly $40,000 in debt doesn’t sound too bad, especially when a medical or law degree can leave a person with debt near $70-$80,000. However, with a graduate degree in public health, the job that a person selects can determine the range of a master of public health salary, not the degree. Some professions just pay more than others, even with the same schooling and credentials. There are many high paying jobs in public health; here are a few and what a person can expect to earn.
Public Health Salary Examples
Epidemiologists
To be an epidemiologist, one must have at least a master’s degree in public health. The person who works in this field will look at matters that are of a public health concern. They will investigate infectious diseases and work to find their causes and the scope of their impact. They will learn everything there is to learn about them so it can be reported to the people. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics released updated pay scales for this profession in 2011. The average epidemiologist salary is around $65,000 a year. However, depending on the area and demand, this position can demand upwards of $100,000 a year.
Biostatisticians
Being a biostatistician is just one direction that a degree in public health can take an individual. Working closely with the epidemiologist, a biostatistician is called out to the field when there is an infectious disease that the public needs help with. If there is an outbreak, they will be one of the first ones on the scene trying to help and educate.
Pharmaceutical companies depend on these people to help with design studies and to test drugs and their efficiencies. They often do medical research that is valuable to the public. There are two diverse branches that a biostatistician can go into. A biostatistician salary for those who work with pharmaceuticals is around $92,000 a year. However, those who dedicate their career to scientific research tend to make around $87,000 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Health Educators
Those who like to work directly with the public may want to consider the career path of a health educator. This position will require a graduate degree and often these people work for the state of federal government. The whole goal of this position is to develop new programs, teach and implement them and then evaluate their progress. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average health educators salary is around $48,000 a year. Those who get a job with the federal government can more than double their salaries to $95,000. This is a prime example of how two different branches with the same degree can make drastically different amounts of money.
Healthcare Administrators
Administrators of any career field are important roles; the healthcare administrator is no exception. These people are often the ones in charge of direction or managing facilitates like a nursing home, hospice, hospitals, a clinic and any other healthcare facilities. This professional has some leeway, as people with either a public health degree or a medical degree can qualify for this position. Though requirements and pay will be the same, a couple of degrees could qualify for a position of this nature.
Also dubbed a healthcare executive, this position will allow a person to work with the public and be over many employees. As an administrator, there may be financial aspects, employee and facility management, as well as public health duties. On average, a health administrators salary is around $96,000 a year. However, if an administrator works for an insurance company, that number can increase incredibly to around $140,000 a year.
Finding The Right Career
No matter which career path one chooses in public health, the pay will be solid.
However, before entering graduate school, having a clear path in the public health field can help increase your eventual salary. Finding which jobs are in the highest demand and where there are the most job opportunities can be helpful. With proper planning, finding an excellent career in a public health field can be easy.
