The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for a Public Health around the country.
What We Do
Public health professionals focus on providing a wide array of healthcare services to people on a public level. Rather than working in clinical medicine as nurses and doctors do – which focuses on treating people after the are sick – a public health professional works on developing programs and initiatives with an entire community to ensure that people live healthy lives. A public health worker might work with a community to ensure that they are not spreading diseases by making sure that people are washing their hands several times per day. Or they may lead health promotion efforts in a city to ensure people are eating a healthy diet to reduce chances of heart disease.
Work Environment
A public health worker can often find employment within local, state and federal government agencies, such as a public health office. Public health workers also may be employed by healthcare companies or healthcare agencies in various levels of the government. Many public health professionals may need to travel extensively so that they can encourage people to live healthy lives in communities all over the country and world.
How to Become a Public Health Professional
If you think that public health is the right option for you, it’s generally a good idea to contact your local community groups in public health and start with some volunteer work. For instance, a public health office in your area could need volunteer help. Or, an organization that tries to protect the environment or natural resources could use help as well.
Once you have decided that you want to work in public health, you will want to ideally earn a degree in the sciences, such as in biology or chemistry. Next, you should get some volunteer experience in public health to try out this exciting career field. Then, you will need to earn your Master of Public Health (MPH) to work in public health beyond an entry level position. There are Online MPH programs available as well as some without the GRE requirement.
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Training & Certification Requirements
Be sure that you look for volunteering and work opportunities regularly as you are studying. Some people consider getting a master’s of public health degree during their education, to improve their chances of becoming a public health practitioner. Public health practitioners typically earn more money thanks to their greater amount of experience and education. Once you have chosen your degree and completed it, you then can work in the public health field of your choice.
You will find that you will be able to find work opportunities easier in most public health fields if you get an internship during your MPH studies.
Public Health Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Public Health.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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Health Insurance Sales Consultant | $26,000 |
Public Health Technician | $21,000 |
Supervisory Veterinary Medical Officer | $83,000 |
Public Health Nurse | $61,000 |
Food Inspector Intermittent | $40,000 |
Animal Health Technician | $26,000 |
Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner Np | $78,000 |
Administrative Support Customer Service | $65,000 |
Food Inspector | $41,000 |
Outside Solar Sales Consultant | $97,000 |
Public Health Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for most registered nurses, including public health nurses, was approximately $67,490 as of May 2015.
Public Health Job Outlook
Employment for all public health professionals is expected to see a significant period of growth between the years of 2014 and 2024. This is believed to be due to a growing emphasis that is being placed on preventative measures for healthcare, and assisting with chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. According to the BLS, the average growth rate is expected to be around 16%.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Public Health was $59,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide are 3% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Public Health Salary by State
The following lists Public Health salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $75,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $37,000.
Alaska – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Workplace Alaska, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, United States Postal Service, and Bartlett Regional Hospital. | |||||||||||
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Alabama – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Addus HealthCare, Inc., Taziki’s Cafe, Florida Rock and Tank Lines, and Taziki’s. | |||||||||||
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Arkansas – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, University of Arkansas, and Baptist Health. | |||||||||||
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Arizona – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Arizona, Banner Health, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University. | |||||||||||
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California – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, Los Angeles County Department of Human Resources, and Safeway. | |||||||||||
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Colorado – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Denver Health, University of Colorado, Colorado Department of Human Services, and Vivage. | |||||||||||
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Connecticut – $69,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Medtronic, Yale University, UCONN Health Center, and Natchaug Hospital. | |||||||||||
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DC – $75,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Adventist HealthCare, Harris Teeter, Leidos, and AmeriCorps. | |||||||||||
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Delaware – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Nemours, State of Delaware, Christiana Care, and University of Delaware. | |||||||||||
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Florida – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Charter Schools USA, PeopleFirst Florida HR, University of South Florida, and University of Florida. | |||||||||||
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Georgia – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Columbus Regional Healthcare, Cobb Hospital, DHS – DFCS, and Georgia Department of Human Services. | |||||||||||
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Hawaii – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Hawaii, County of Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente, and County of Kauai. | |||||||||||
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Iowa – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Genesis Health System, UnityPoint Health, The University of Iowa, and United States Postal Service. | |||||||||||
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Idaho – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Idaho Division of Human Resources, Embassy Management, Independent School District of Boise City, and Addus HealthCare, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Illinois – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Addus HealthCare, Inc., Northwestern University, Addus HomeCare, and Genesis Health System. | |||||||||||
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Indiana – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Indiana University Health, Bloomington Hospital, Beacon Health System, and United States Postal Service. | |||||||||||
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Kansas – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Unlisted Company, Rural Health Education and Services, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools, and APAC – Kansas – Shears. | |||||||||||
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Kentucky – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like KentuckyOne Health, Catholic Health Initiatives, Cracker Barrel, and Seven Counties Services. | |||||||||||
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Louisiana – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lafayette General Medical Center, Louisiana State Government, Ochsner Health System, and United States Postal Service. | |||||||||||
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Massachusetts – $72,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Commonwealth of Massachusetts, BAMSI, Inc., Medtronic, and Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH). | |||||||||||
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Maryland – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Adventist HealthCare, Johns Hopkins University, Mercy Health Services, and University of Maryland, Baltimore. | |||||||||||
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Maine – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Penobscot Community Health Care, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Southern Maine Health Care, and United States Postal Service. | |||||||||||
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Michigan – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Burger King – Quality Dining Inc., MidMichigan Health, University of Michigan, and Covenant HealthCare. | |||||||||||
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Minnesota – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Allina Health, Medtronic, Accurate Home Care, and Mayo Clinic. | |||||||||||
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Missouri – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mercy, Supervalu, GATEWAY REGION YMCA, and United States Postal Service. | |||||||||||
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Mississippi – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mississippi State Personnel Board, State of Mississippi, APAC – Mississippi, and Cracker Barrel. | |||||||||||
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Montana – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Town Pump, Inc., State of Montana, Billings Health & Rehabilitation Community, and The Village Health Care Center. | |||||||||||
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North Carolina – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Harris Teeter, Duke University and Duke University Health System, North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, and Novant Health. | |||||||||||
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North Dakota – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United States Postal Service, Scheels Sports, Sanford Health, and Scheels All Sports, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Nebraska – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Tabitha, ISYS Technologies, Catholic Health Initiatives, and State of Nebraska. | |||||||||||
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New Hampshire – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Great American Dining, The Common Man | Great American Dining, AmeriCorps, and United States Postal Service. | |||||||||||
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New Jersey – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rutgers University, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, CFG Health Network, and Rite Aid. | |||||||||||
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New Mexico – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like New Mexico State University, Indian Health Service, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico State Personnel Office. | |||||||||||
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Nevada – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Nevada Las Vegas, Carson City School District, Envision Healthcare, and Washoe County School District. | |||||||||||
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New York – $72,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like DEPT OF HEALTH/MENTAL HYGIENE, NYC Health + Hospitals, DEPT OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION, and Syracuse University. | |||||||||||
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Ohio – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mercy Health, State of Ohio Jobs, University of Cincinnati, and CommuniCare Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Oklahoma – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oklahoma, Traditions Spirits, Oklahoma City Public Schools, and Oklahoma State University. | |||||||||||
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Oregon – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Oregon, Safeway, Oregon Health & Science University, and Oregon State University. | |||||||||||
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Pennsylvania – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Geisinger Health System, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Matrix Medical Network, and Public Health Management Corporation. | |||||||||||
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Rhode Island – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College, AmeriCorps, CharterCare Health Partners, and Women & Infants. | |||||||||||
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South Carolina – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of South Carolina, Matrix Medical Network, Harris Teeter, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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South Dakota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, WR Hospitality, South Dakota State Government, and United States Postal Service. | |||||||||||
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Tennessee – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Addus HealthCare, Inc., Addus HomeCare, Florida Rock and Tank Lines, and Cracker Barrel. | |||||||||||
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Texas – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Senior Care Centers, Harris Health System, Health & Human Services Comm, and Dept of State Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Utah – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Utah, Premier Health Partners, State of Utah, and Progressive Leasing. | |||||||||||
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Virginia – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Harris Teeter, Chesterfield County Public Schools, University of Virginia, and Safeway. | |||||||||||
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Vermont – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Vermont, United States Postal Service, AmeriCorps, and Rite Aid. | |||||||||||
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Washington – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Washington, Safeway, University of Washington Medical Center, and University of Washington. | |||||||||||
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Wisconsin – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Wisconsin-Madison, Aurora HealthCare, SSM Health, and Madison Area Technical College. | |||||||||||
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West Virginia – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AmeriCorps, MedExpress, Jan-Care Ambulance Service Inc., and WVU Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Wyoming – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Public Health salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Public Health salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Wyoming, AmeriCorps, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, and Wyoming Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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Additional Resources
- UNE vs USC Online MPH Degree
- Why Get a Food and Nutrition Degree
- Why Get an Applied Nutrition Degree?
- What Is CEPH Certification for MPH Programs?
- How to Choose a Bachelors in Public Health Degree?
- How To Get The Best Masters In Public Health Salary
- 5 Best Graduate Certificates in Public Health
- How to Choose an Epidemiology Degree