High-Paying Careers You Can Land With a Master’s Degree in Public Health
High-Paying Careers for MPH Grads
Here's a quick look at the top-paying public health careers. Salary ranges included for each role are based on data from . Job growth is data provided by the (BLS). For reference, the BLS projects the national average job growth rate at 3%.
A Closer Look at These Careers
1. Public Health Epidemiologist
At a glance: Public health epidemiologists track disease patterns and develop strategies to protect communities from health threats.
With an MPH in epidemiology, you'll investigate how diseases spread and create strategies to keep entire communities healthy. You'll team up with doctors, government health agencies, and research teams to track down health threats and use data to guide prevention plans and policies that protect public health.
2. Biostatistician
At a glance: Biostatisticians use data and statistics to uncover health trends and guide evidence-based decisions.
If you get excited about finding patterns in numbers, an MPH in biostatistics will teach you to dig into health data and find the root cause of an issue. You'll crunch numbers to figure out if new treatments are working and help companies make smarter decisions based on solid evidence rather than guesswork.
3. Public Health Consultant
At a glance: Public health consultants advise organizations on health programs, strategy, and policy effectiveness.
These professionals help organizations figure out their public health strategy and whether their programs are working. Your MPH training lets you work with government agencies, nonprofits, private companies, or go solo as an independent consultant.
4. Wellness Director
At a glance: Wellness directors design workplace health programs that improve employee wellbeing and reduce costs.
More companies are realizing that healthy employees mean lower healthcare costs and better productivity. As a wellness director with a master's in public health, you'd design and run employee health programs and show leadership how these initiatives save money while keeping people healthier.
5. Public Health Researcher
At a glance: Public health researchers study health issues and evaluate programs to provide evidence for better policies.
If you like digging into data to find answers, then research might be your path. As a public health researcher, you'll assess whether public health programs work and uncover the evidence that shapes how we approach health problems. Universities, nonprofits, and government agencies all need people who can do this work well.
6. Public Health Project Manager
At a glance: Public health project managers coordinate large-scale health initiatives, from vaccination drives to community programs.
Public health initiatives rely on project managers to bring people, resources, and timing into alignment. An MPH gives them the tools to coordinate complex efforts while grounding decisions in sound public health knowledge.
7. Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager
At a glance: EHS managers ensure workplaces meet safety standards and protect workers from health risks.
EHS managers make sure workplaces don't make people sick. Whether it's a manufacturing plant, tech company, or construction site, EHS managers with MPH training in environmental or occupational health help keep employees safe and companies compliant with regulations.
8. General Public Health Professional
At a glance: General public health professionals work in entry- to mid-level public health roles that build experience for advancement.
This career encompasses various roles like health analysts, program coordinators, and community health specialists. While these positions might start on the lower end salary-wise, they often lead to specialized roles or management positions where the earning potential increases.
9. Public Health Educator
At a glance: Public health educators create programs and campaigns that teach people how to stay healthy and prevent disease.
Public health educators play a direct role in reducing disease and improving quality of life by shaping how people think about wellness. While not always the highest-paying field, experienced educators who specialize in areas like chronic disease prevention or work with specific populations can earn solid salaries.
10. Infection Preventionist
At a glance: Infection preventionists develop and enforce protocols to stop infections in healthcare and community settings.
Infection preventionists design protocols to stop diseases from spreading in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. The highlighted just how important this work is. An MPH with a focus on epidemiology, global health, or environmental health prepares you for this role, and many professionals boost their credentials with certification from the .
Undergraduate Pathways to a Master's in Public Health
If you’re planning for graduate school, it helps to know how your undergraduate degree can set you up for a master’s in public health (MPH). Students take all kinds of routes to get there, but some majors make the transition a little smoother.
Bachelor’s in Public Health
Majoring in public health is the most straightforward way to prepare for an MPH. You’ll get early exposure to topics like health systems, global health, and environmental health. That foundation makes grad school feel less overwhelming, and in some cases, you might even be able to skip certain prerequisites.
Some schools also offer accelerated bachelor’s-to-MPH programs. These let you start graduate-level courses during your senior year and finish your MPH with just one extra year of school.
Curious where to start? Take a look at our rankings of the 2025 Best Online Public Health Degrees.
Other Majors that Can Lead to an MPH
You don’t have to major in public health to get into an MPH program. Plenty of students come from fields like biology, sociology, psychology, health sciences, nursing, statistics, or political science. What counts is showing an interest in public health and making sure you’ve covered courses such as stats, biology, or the social sciences.
What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor’s in Public Health and a Master’s?
While both degrees focus on improving community and population health, a bachelor’s in public health is more introductory and broad in scope. It can set you up for entry-level roles like:
Outreach coordinator
Community health worker
Research assistant
Jobs you can get with a master’s in public health include advanced or leadership roles such as:
Public health consultant
Health policy analyst
Global health program manager
An MPH also opens doors to higher salaries, more responsibility, and specialization in areas like environmental health or infectious disease control.
How to Choose the Best MPH Program for You
The best MPH programs aren't always the most expensive or the ones with the biggest names. It’s more important to consider which program fits with your lifestyle, your budget, and your goals. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you explore options.
Accreditation
First, check that the program is accredited by the . This seal of approval means the program meets national standards and keeps doors open for jobs in places like government agencies. It’s also worth checking for regional accreditation, since that can affect things like financial aid eligibility and your ability to apply to doctoral programs later.
Program Format
Think about what kind of learning setup fits your life right now:
- On-campus programs give you in-person classes, campus resources, and face-to-face networking.
- Online programs in public health are a great choice if you’re working or balancing family responsibilities. Many let you move through classes on your own schedule and still connect with local practicum sites.
- Accelerated programs wrap everything up in 12–18 months. They’re intense, but perfect if you’re motivated and want to enter the workforce quickly.
Specializations
Most MPH programs let you choose a concentration that matches your interests. Common tracks include:
Epidemiology
Biostatistics
Global Health
Health Policy and Management
Environmental Health
Community Health Promotion
Your concentration sets you up for the kind of work you want to do after graduation, like developing prevention programs or working on national policy.
Fieldwork
Almost every Master's in Public Health program includes a practicum or fieldwork requirement, which gives you the chance to apply your skills in real-world settings. Look for schools that have strong partnerships and can help place you in meaningful roles. A great fieldwork site builds experience and could turn into a job opportunity.
Is a Master’s in Public Health Worth It?
If you’re asking whether a master’s in public health (MPH) is worth it, the answer for many students is yes. The field is expanding, with jobs like and projected to grow 16% and 23%, respectively, through 2034. Salaries are also strong, often ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, with more possibilities as you gain experience or move into leadership.
An MPH also gives you flexibility. Graduates build careers in research institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, global NGOs, and corporate wellness programs. That range makes it a good option if you want to change direction mid-career without starting over.
For a lot of students, the value of a master's degree in public health goes beyond pay. With this degree, you’re equipped to take on pressing challenges like chronic disease and health inequities. It can open doors to leadership and specialized roles, while also giving you the opportunity to create lasting change in the communities you serve.
FAQs About Master's Degrees in Public Health (MPH)
What is an MPH degree?
An MPH, or master’s degree in public health, is a graduate program that trains students to improve population health through research, policy, education, and hands-on interventions. Typical courses cover epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, environmental health, and community health promotion.
Is public health a good major?
Public health is a solid choice if you’re drawn to improving health outcomes in communities or on a global scale. It blends science, policy, and social impact and prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, research, government, nonprofits, and education.
What can you do with a public health degree?
With a public health degree, you’ll find career opportunities in epidemiology, biostatistics, health education, policy analysis, consulting, and healthcare management. Many of these roles offer competitive pay and the chance to make a meaningful difference.
Is a master’s degree in public health worth it?
For many students, yes. An MPH can lead to leadership roles and higher earning potential. It also opens the door to specialized fields like global health, environmental health, or health policy, which often require advanced training.
How long does it take to earn an MPH?
A traditional MPH program takes about two years of full-time study. Accelerated tracks can be completed in 12–18 months, while part-time or online programs may take three years or more, depending on your schedule.
Do you need a specific bachelor’s degree for an MPH?
No specific major is required. While many applicants have backgrounds in biology, sociology, psychology, healthcare, or public health, programs often accept students from a wide range of academic fields.
What’s the difference between an MPH and MHA?
An MPH (Master of Public Health) focuses on population health, prevention, and promoting wellness at a community level. An MHA (Master of Health Administration) is geared toward the business and management side of healthcare systems. Both can lead to leadership positions, but your choice depends on whether you prefer a public health or administrative focus.
Can you get an MPH online?
Yes. Many universities now offer online MPH programs that provide the same education as on-campus options, often with added flexibility. These are popular with working professionals and caregivers, and many online programs are CEPH-accredited and affordable.