Public health is about protecting communities, improving lives, and responding to challenges that affect millions of people every day. With the rise of global health threats, aging populations, and chronic diseases, the need for skilled public health professionals has never been greater. For example, job growth for epidemiologists is expected to increase by 19%, and for medical and health services managers by nearly 29%, far above the national average.
What’s exciting is that public health can also be financially rewarding. Some positions pay six figures, giving professionals the chance to lead teams, shape policy, and make decisions that save lives. But landing these roles requires more than ambition; it demands the right education, hands-on experience, and connections that top programs provide.
In this article, you’ll explore the ten highest-paying public health jobs, learn about the best schools and programs to pursue these careers.
Highest Paying Jobs in Public Health
These are the top ten highest-paying jobs in public health today.
1. Public Health Attorney
A public health attorney works at the intersection of law, policy, and health. They challenge or develop regulations, advise public‑health departments or private organisations on legal responsibilities, and often handle complex regulatory issues or health‑care compliance. For example, some public health attorneys earn salaries in the range of $120,000‑$169,000 annually, especially in major jurisdictions.
Typically, one needs both a law degree (JD) and a strong understanding of public health issues. The role fits those who like legal reasoning, policy work, and helping shape health systems at a high level.
2. Medical & Health Services Manager
This role involves planning, directing, and coordinating health‑care services in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, or non‑profits. Managers oversee budgets, staffing, programs, and quality care delivery. Median salaries for public‑health services managers are around $125,000, according to recent data.
To reach this level, one often holds a master’s (e.g., MPH or MHA) and several years of leadership experience. If you like organising systems, improving efficiencies, and making sure health‑care services run well, this job offers both responsibility and strong pay.
3. Public Health Director / Executive Health Director
A public health director leads entire public health departments or major programmes. They set strategy, manage teams, liaise with government or community stakeholders, and ensure public health goals are met. Because they hold senior leadership roles, their compensation can exceed six figures.
While specific salary data can vary, roles at that level often exceed typical public health pay bands. For this job, you’ll need substantial experience, a master’s (or higher) and strong leadership skills. This path appeals to those who want to guide policy, lead organisations, and impact health outcomes broadly.
4. Biostatistician
Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to health‑data problems, designing studies, analysing outcomes, and modelling disease spread or treatment effects. With data being central in modern public health, demand for these professionals is rising. Entry‑level biostatisticians might earn $60,000‑$80,000, while senior roles (10+ years experience) may exceed $110,000‑$150,000.
A strong mathematics or statistics background is required, and many hold an MPH or MS/PhD in biostatistics. If you like working with numbers, deriving insight from data, and impacting public health decisions, this can be a rewarding path both intellectually and financially.
5. Health Informatics / Information Systems Manager (Public Health)
In this role le you manage health information technology, data systems, and analytics for public health organisations. You ensure secure data flow, design dashboards or reports, collaborate across departments, and support decision‑making via data. Salaries typically fall well into six figures as organisations place a high value on digital health expertise.
Skills in informatics, IT systems, data management, and public health are essential. The job suits those who bridge tech and health fields and want to support public health decisions through better data and systems.
6. Epidemiologist (Senior / Specialized)
Epidemiologists investigate disease patterns, outbreaks, and health risks, and guide responses to public health threats. Senior or specialised roles, such as those in global health, pandemic, cs, or major agencies, can reach more than $150,000 annually, depending on location and employer.
You typically need a master’s (MPH) or PhD in epidemiology plus relevant experience. This is a great fit if you’re curious about why diseases spread, comfortable with research and analysis, and excited about protecting communities in a meaningful way.
7. Emergency Management Director (Public Health & Safety)
These professionals coordinate disaster preparedness, public health emergencies, and complex responses to events like pandemics or natural disasters. They lead coordination across agencies, manage risks, and ensure public health systems are ready.
Some salaries range from around $90,000 up to $142,000 or more, depending on region and agency. This job suits people who thrive under pressure, can manage logistics and strategy, and want to play a pivotal role when it matters most for public health.
8. Health Policy Analyst / Consultant (Senior Level)
Health policy analysts examine laws, regulations, and health-system performance. At senior levels or in consultancy roles, they advise governments, nonprofits, or corporations on public health policy, cost-effectiveness, and programme evaluation.
Senior analysts in public health can expect six‑figure pay depending on employer and experience. This role appeals if you’re interested in both policy and public health, prefer analytic work, and want to influence how health systems are shaped and run.
9. Environmental & Occupational Health Director / Specialist (Senior)
This role focuses on how environment or workplace conditions affect health, such as air/water quality, exposure risks, industrial safety, or community health hazards. Senior directors in this space oversee programmes, compliance, research, and interventions, and often earn salaries in the upper end of public health pay.
If you’re concerned with how external factors impact health, like pollution or workers’ safety, this is a role where you can make a difference and find a strong salary.
10. Health Services Research Director / Principal Investigator
These professionals lead large-scale public health research initiatives, secure funding (grants), manage research teams, and translate findings into practice. Because they oversee major projects and budgets, compensation can be substantial (often six‑figures) in major research institutions or the private sector.
This role suits those who like research, leadership, and want to contribute to evidence‑based public health on a large scale.
Best Colleges for Public Health Programs
1. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (Baltimore, MD)
This school consistently ranks #1 among U.S. public health schools. Their MPH can be done full‑time (about 11 months) or part‑time/online over up to four years, making it flexible for working professionals. Tuition for the full‑time MPH is approximately $68,592 per year (2025‑26) for the four‑term track.
Students dive deep into epidemiology, biostatistics, global health, and environmental health and complete a hands‑on capstone. The school is CEPH‑accredited, giving you a credential trusted by employers globally.
2. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Boston, MA)
Harvard’s MPH programs are highly ranked, offering specializations such as Health Policy, Global Health, and Management. Tuition for the MPH‑45 credit full‑time variant is about $74,340 per year for 2025‑26. Students can also opt for a part‑time/online track for two years.
The curriculum blends rigorous core public health methods (epidemiology, biostatistics) with leadership and policy skills. This program is CEPH‑accredited and ideal if you’re aiming for leadership roles or ga lobal health strategy.
3. University of Michigan School of Public Health (Ann Arbor, MI)
Michigan offers a fully online MPH in Population & Health Sciences, as well as traditional in‑person formats. Tuition for the online 42‑credit track is estimated at $52,800 for residents and $58,000 for non‑residents.
The program covers core public health disciplines while allowing flexibility for working professionals. It’s CEPH‑accredited and supports those who want quality education without relocating.
4. UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (Chapel Hill, NC)
Washington, D.C.‑area proximity aside, UNC Gillings offers strong specialization options in maternal and child health, nutrition, policy, and more. Ranked among the top public health schools in the U.S. in recent years.
The program is CEPH‑accredited. While traditional on‑campus study is the norm, some hybrid and online options exist for flexibility. If you’re drawn to community‑based health issues, social determinants of health, and impactful fieldwork, this school is worth serious consideration.
5. University of Washington School of Public Health (Seattle, WA)
Located in the Pacific Northwest, UW’s School of Public Health ranks among the top 10 in its field. It offers in‑person and some hybrid MPH formats, with CEPH accreditation and a strong emphasis on health systems, behavioral sciences, and environmental health.
The program is well‑suited for students seeking a balance of research, practice, and community work. For those who prefer a region outside the East Coast and want top‑tier training, UW delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About MPH Programs
1. How long does it usually take to complete an MPH program full-time or part-time?
A full-time MPH program usually takes about 1 to 2 years, depending on the school. Part-time or online tracks can take 2 to 4 years, offering flexibility for working professionals. Some programs even allow students to pace their studies semester by semester, so you can balance work, family, or other commitments without pausing your career.
2. Can online MPH programs provide the same career opportunities as in-person programs?
Yes, especially if the program is CEPH-accredited. Online MPH degrees cover the same core subjects, often include practical projects, and provide networking opportunities. Employers increasingly recognize online credentials, so as long as you gain field experience, an online MPH can open doors to high-paying public health jobs just like traditional programs.
3. Do MPH specializations significantly affect future salary and job options?
Frequently Asked Questions About MPH ProgramsSpecializations can influence salary and career paths. For example, Health Policy or Biostatistics roles may pay higher than general public health roles. Certain niches, like Global Health or Environmental Health, can lead to leadership positions in government, NGOs, or private organizations, which also affect earnings and responsibilities.
4. How much practical fieldwork or internship experience is required in most MPH programs?
Most programs require a capstone project, practicum, or internship ranging from 120 to 300 hours. This hands-on experience is crucial. It lets you apply classroom knowledge to real public health challenges, build professional connections, and strengthen your resume for competitive, high-paying positions.
5. Are there accelerated MPH tracks for professionals with prior healthcare experience?
Yes, some schools offer accelerated or advanced standing tracks for nurses, physicians, or other healthcare professionals. These tracks reduce the required credits or allow overlap with prior experience, helping students earn the MPH faster without compromising essential training.