How to Become a Public Health Specialist
Develop programs and policies to improve community health outcomes and prevent disease. It typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree, with a median salary of $64,070 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$64,070/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
7,900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Health Education
- Epidemiology
- Program Planning
- Data Analysis
- Community Outreach
Helpful certifications
- CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist)
- CPH (Certified in Public Health)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
55/100
Work-life balance
65/100
Stress level
42/100
Satisfaction
72/100
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Public Health Specialist make?
The median pay for a Public Health Specialist is $64,070 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Public Health Specialist?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's or master's degree. Common majors are Public Health, Community Health, Health Education, Biology, and Epidemiology.
Is Public Health Specialist a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 7,900 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Public Health Specialist use most?
Common skills for this role are Health Education, Epidemiology, Program Planning, Data Analysis, and Community Outreach.
Planning to become a Public Health Specialist?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.