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Job outlook for health communication specialists in the United States
Are health communication specialist jobs in demand?
Health communication specialist job and salary trends over time
Health communication specialist jobs over time
Health communication specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,046 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,006 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 947 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 533 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 491 | 0.00% |
Average health communication specialist salary over time
Health communication specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,493 | $23.79 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $47,774 | $22.97 | --20.3% |
| 2023 | $59,917 | $28.81 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $58,900 | $28.32 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $58,194 | $27.98 | +1.0% |
Health communication specialist jobs by state
Most common states for health communication specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 172 | 25% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 116 | 19% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 921 | 17% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,122 | 16% |
| 5 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,028 | 15% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 399 | 13% |
| 7 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 226 | 13% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 95 | 13% |
| 9 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,446 | 12% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,238 | 12% |
| 11 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,181 | 12% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 706 | 12% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 697 | 12% |
| 14 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 366 | 12% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 103 | 12% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 68 | 12% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 920 | 11% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 661 | 11% |
| 19 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 527 | 11% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 319 | 11% |
Most common cities for health communication specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlanta | 10 | 2% | $41,542 |
| 2 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $58,719 |
| 3 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $58,785 |
| 4 | Silver Spring | 1 | 1% | $58,783 |
| 5 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $49,400 |
| 6 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $57,072 |
| 7 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $53,927 |
Health Communication Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of health communication specialist experts
Michigan Technological University
University of South Florida
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Wake Forest University
University of Baltimore
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Mercer University
University of Bridgeport
University of Florida Health
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Texas at San Antonio
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
Eastern Virginia Medical School
University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Idaho State University
Hawai'i Pacific University
What Health Communication Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tayler Haapapuro MS: Continuing education, conferences, and certifications. Making sure you are apart of an organization with continuing education (AKA, ACSM, CSCS etc). Staying on top of the ever evolving world of health can give you an edge in many areas of treatment.
What general advice would you give to a Health Communication Specialist?
Maureen Chiodini-Rinaldo: God gave you two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you talk. Remain open-minded and stay in touch with your mentors. We should always be learning. Find your path and your niche by doing what makes you happy. Don't chase the money. If you are happy and doing what you love and are passionate about, the money will come.
Dr. Wendy Huddleston
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Health Communication Specialist?
Dr. Wendy Huddleston: Interprofessional teamwork, cultural humility, flexibility, and innovation will be the keys to a successful future in health and wellness. Healthcare in the US is going to change significantly in the next decade. Methods of delivery, including more telehealth/telecommunications, and the use of AI in clinical practice are some examples.
What Health Communication Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Wendy Huddleston: Be able to identify what differentiates you from other new graduates. Examples might include being able to speak a second language, being mobile, having flexibility in work hours and/or work locations, or having leadership experience of any kind. You'll want to add skills to your resume, not just experience.
Van Whaley DC, EdD
Assistant Professor-in-ResidenceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Nutrition Sciences
What Health Communication Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Van Whaley DC, EdD: Anatomy & Physiology (A&P) is a vital part of so many healthcare and human-performance fields. Understanding how our bodies work creates better therapists, nurses, doctors, experts, trainers, and more understanding people. We all have friends and family members who face health issues - diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, autoimmune conditions, hormone/chemical imbalances, arthritis, etc. Learning A&P helps us to help others, including being a health advocate for loved ones.
What general advice would you give to a Health Communication Specialist?
Van Whaley DC, EdD: Specificity in training or certifications definitely can increase someone's salary potential. Also, there is a wide variety of jobs (and pay rates) within most fields. Someone in private practice may make two times more than someone with the same credentials working at a non-profit. However, those two would have very different experiences and demands in their work demands.
What will help Health Communication Specialists increase their earning potential?
Van Whaley DC, EdD: Integration, cooperation, and critical thinking. Today's top healthcare includes virtual doctor visits, multiple places doing tests, and a centralized location that organizes this data to best help the patient. The days of a lone practitioner treating a community are replaced by a team of healthcare providers taking care of an individual.
Dr. Shari DeVeney Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Graduate Program Chair, Department of Special Education & Communication DisordersOmaha
Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences
What Health Communication Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Shari DeVeney Ph.D., CCC-SLP: To maximize your salary potential as a new professional in health and wellness fields, I encourage you to research salary trends and expectations for entry-level positions in your specific professional and geographic areas. Salaries can vary substantially depending on work setting and geographic location. We see this a lot in my own field of speech-language pathology. Research the cost of living in different areas and consider relocating if it's a viable option for you and your salary may be higher relative to living expenses there. Be open to opportunities for professional growth! You can achieve growth not only through advancements or promotions within your organization, but sometimes through lateral moves as well if these lateral opportunities provide you with new experiences and skills that can enhance your overall value as an employee. Enhancing your professional value and capacity for meaningful contributions can lead to increases in your earning potential over time.
What will help Health Communication Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Shari DeVeney Ph.D., CCC-SLP: For new graduates entering the workforce in health and wellness fields, there are a number of important aspects to be mindful of that could help you find success in your new career. Namely, I would encourage you to commit yourself to continued education. Create good habits early for staying current on the latest research and evidence-based practices in your field by seeking out professional development opportunities (e.g., attending conferences and seminars, participating in organizational workshops, etc.), particularly in content areas relevant to your new position. Further, networking and professional relationship building is key. Making connections to others in your field can provide you with valuable insights, mentorship, and even career advancement opportunities. Finally, be sure to take some time for yourself. Starting a new career is challenging and can feel all-consuming at times. Be sure to make time for activities that allow you to feel recharged. This will help you prevent burnout and maintain your own physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing as you embark on your new professional adventure.
What general advice would you give to a Health Communication Specialist?
Dr. Shari DeVeney Ph.D., CCC-SLP: There are a number of skills that will become increasingly important in health and wellness fields over the next 3-5 years. One of these is expanding capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration. Efficiently and successfully addressing complex health, wellness, and/or educational issues often requires collaboration across different professional disciplines. Effective communication is essential for these kinds of collaborations. You will need to be able to contribute to a team and work well with others to explain complex concepts specific to your area of the field with clients and colleagues as well as provide complementary - not overlapping or contradictory - clinical services with your professional partners. Additionally, cultural competence -showing respect and understanding of cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values that differ from your own - will become increasingly important for effective clinical practices within a pluralistic society. Finally, skills related to successful and appropriate remote care delivery are important to cultivate. The rise of tele-medicine, tele-therapy, and remote client monitoring will require health and wellness professionals to adapt their skill sets so they can not only provide high-quality care through in-person interactions, but also through remote formats.
Ted Eaves
Associate teaching professorWake Forest University
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What general advice would you give to a Health Communication Specialist?
Ted Eaves: For general advice for graduates with a degree in Kinesiology, I would suggest finding an area that you are passionate about. There are a lot of different directions that graduates can take after school such as health care, research, clinical applications, behavioral medicine, pharmaceutical/device sales, and insurance or other business related programs.
What Health Communication Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ted Eaves: I think as far as skills are concerned, all graduates need to have the basic knowledge and ability to use that knowledge to help their patients/clients; however, the interpersonal skills are the ones that will be the most important moving forward. Caring/compassionate care is essential, empathy and listening skills help you relate to your patients/clients, and cultural competency is a big emphasis now. Communication and collaboration among constituent groups is also really important if going into health care. Taking care of patients requires an entire team of professionals and being able to interact with these different groups is going to be crucial to offering the best care possible.
What soft skills should all Health Communication Specialists possess?
Tina Di Franco: The most important soft skills are:
-Leadership skills - a true leader is someone who can inspire others, encourage creativity, and ignite excitement about the mission of the organization.
-The ability to work collaboratively in a team to accomplish organizational goals. Public health is a multi-disciplinary endeavor, and the importance of teamwork cannot be over-emphasized. It is through this collaboration that strategic plans can be operationalized.
-The ability to communicate effectively. That is, to articulate one's position and be able to actively listen to others.
-Flexibility and Adaptability. Healthcare is a dynamic process, and one must be able to adjust the strategies and approaches to best meet the needs of those we serve. Subsumed in this skill is the ability to problem-solve based on the evidence and data available at the time. However, public health is somewhat like a game of chess. There has to be an ability to anticipate fluctuations in the needs of the community based on the scientific evidence available. Critical thinking will lead to strategic decision-making and implementation.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Health Communication Specialists?
Tina Di Franco: Computer skills, including proficiency in excel, data visualization platforms, and PowerPoint. Staying current in healthcare technology advancements and data analytics is of utmost importance.
Corey Hannah
Program Director, Master of Science in Athletic TrainingUniversity of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Health Communication Specialist resumes?
Corey Hannah: Things that stand out to me include didactic and clinical experience, team-based approaches to teaching, collaborative models of pedagogy, innovative practices in the classroom and beyond, and an interprofessional approach to both teaching and learning.
What soft skills should all Health Communication Specialists possess?
Corey Hannah: Empathy, sensitivity, and confidentiality in a medical environment, confidence, and trust to ensure credibility.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Health Communication Specialists?
Corey Hannah: Content and pedagogical knowledge, ability to transfer knowledge from the classroom to clinical experiences. Faculty and students need to have a sense of problem-solving and critical thinking skills that drives their practice.
What skills will help Health Communication Specialists earn the most?
Corey Hannah: Variety and diversity of experiences, international experience is a huge plus, multiple certifications and licensures (CSCS, AT, PT, PA, Graston, Dry needling, cupping, to name a few)
Dr. Cheryl Gaddis
Associate Professor of Practice and Chair, Department of Public Health, Director, Master of Public Health ProgramMercer University
Department of Public Health
What soft skills should all Health Communication Specialists possess?
Dr. Cheryl Gaddis: The soft skills that are most important for a Public Health Educator are those that clearly exhibit their ability to interact with communities on an interpersonal level. These skills include effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy. The public health educator should exemplify cultural competency, demonstrating equitable practices through the application of ethical conduct with respect for dignity and inclusivity of diverse populations.
Steve Jackowicz Ph.D.
Chair of the Doctoral Program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Assistant Clinical ProfessorUniversity of Bridgeport
Acupuncture Institute
What soft skills should all Health Communication Specialists possess?
Steve Jackowicz Ph.D.: The TCM provider needs a good bedside manner. In the US, TCM is mostly outpatient services. As such, the TCM Doctor must develop a long term relationship with the patient, and be able to diagnose and treat the conditions that present. The doctor needs the soft skills of patient management which allows the development of trust and maintenance of the dignity and ethical considerations of healthcare.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Health Communication Specialists?
Keith Benson: An understanding of financial concepts and data analytics will be beneficial. A basic understanding of AI, Cybersecurity, and the IOT will also be beneficial. Another item that may be useful is having a COVID-19 vaccine.
What soft skills should all Health Communication Specialists possess?
Keith Benson: Soft skills is a misnomer from my perspective. Emotional intelligence, resilience and adaptability, remote team building, and openness to change are essential non-technical skills that will be important in one's future career.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Communication Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Frank Borgers Ph.D.: While the pandemic has created short-term financial distress and driven some degree of organizational reorganization, the longer-term impact may be to increase the focus on the nation's need to create a far more robust public health infrastructure, that in many ways, begins with, and sits top primary care. The 2020 elections should accelerate this focus as the new administration and congress seek to secure and expand the provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
But, healthcare is of course a huge, vibrant sector, and the underlying drivers of sector growth (in particular the large baby boomer population that will continue to drive acute, outpatient, and nursing home demand) remain, and thus the job market outlook across healthcare jobs remains incredibly robust.
When it comes to health care administration , the future looks very bright. The most recent US News and World Report's, ranks "Medical and Health Services Manager" as #4 amongst its "100 Best Jobs" across all economic sectors, and #1 amongst "Best Business Jobs"!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics we can anticipate over 30% employment growth for medical and health services managers over the next decade and the creation of an estimated 133,200 new jobs.
In short, despite the pandemic, the job market for health care administration looks incredibly promising.
Sara Oswalt Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorUniversity of Texas at San Antonio
Department of Public Health
What Health Communication Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Oswalt Ph.D.: Communication - both oral and written - and contact tracing. In the virtual world, how we communicate in email and online platforms has been increasingly important. As we return to more in-person interactions, these skills -- communicating professional and clearly -- remain important to distinguish yourself from others. If it is possible to get a part-time job as contact tracer, do it. While contact tracing has gained attention because of the pandemic, it's a standard practice in public health related to other infectious diseases and STIs (think back to HIV/AIDS in 1990s). Talking with people about their health and their behaviors is a skill that many graduates don't have "real world" experience in; getting that experience can distinguish your application.
Nicole Hansen
Director of Mission AdvancementYMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Health Communication Specialists?
Nicole Hansen: Some companies have thrived during the pandemic financially. These companies have been in a growth mode and will be hiring as long as the pandemic is a threat. Their future success will depend on whether or not they have plans in place to maintain their size after the threat is gone. Some companies have had to downsize and make radical changes due to forced shutdowns and in consumer behavior. As the economy rebounds, companies will right-size, hire more staff, and potentially create jobs that weren't in existence in 2020. Jobs in companies that are more immune to fluxuations in the economy are always safer and more secure. Graduates looking to become employed in 2021 may be expected to provide proof of vaccination, especially while the threat is so top of mind.
What type of skills will young Health Communication Specialists need?
Nicole Hansen: Along with a four-year degree, new graduates will need to demonstrate good interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to be cross-trained into more than one department. People who become "utility players" are more valuable because they can pitch in when the need arises. Graduating with a four-year degree communicates that the student is disciplined, responsible, and mature and manages time. Soft skills are also very important because no one wants to work with someone who isn't friendly or cooperative. Being reliable and dependable is also important, especially when beginning a new job. Employers want to know that you can be counted on to arrive on time and to meet deadlines without constant reminders about the expectations. A successful, newly-graduated employee will be known for stepping up and taking on new assignments with eagerness and confidence. The future is unclear, and we are all looking for the type of person who is ready for the challenges ahead.
What experience really stands out on Health Communication Specialist resumes?
Nicole Hansen: Experience that stands out on a resume is that which aligns to the job being applied for. For example, listing child care and tutoring experience are good if applying for a teaching position. If the job being applied for requires independence, list jobs that included that skill. If your work experience was volunteer or unpaid but relates to the job being sought, list that too. Any experience that can be tied into the job you want puts you ahead of the candidate with no experience. It's also important to list certifications or licenses that are relevant to the job, such as CPR and First Aid.
Dr. Robert Campbell Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorEastern Virginia Medical School
Master of Public Health
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Communication Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Robert Campbell Ph.D.: Public health is a general term that includes so many diverse occupations. In the School of Health Professions - Master of Public Health program, traditional public health nonclinical and clinical professionals include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and research assistants. Nontraditional public health professionals include nurses, medical and health services managers, physicians and surgeons, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, radiologic technologists, pharmacists, and emergency management directors. As a result of the pandemic and the need to perform contact tracing, there is a significant need for case investigators, contact tracers, data managers, and health analytics specialists/managers.
Dr. Molly Greaney Ph.D.
Chair of Health StudiesUniversity of Rhode Island
Department of Health Studies
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Health Communication Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Molly Greaney Ph.D.: I think there will be an increased demand for health science graduates. The pandemic has brought the importance of public health and robust public health infrastructure to the forefront. It also has made evident the need to address health inequities, promote healthful behaviors, and the importance of prevention, including primary prevention.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Health Communication Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Deborah Riebe Ph.D.: It will be interesting to see an increased focus on health promotion/disease prevention following the pandemic. Studies already demonstrate that lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking, for example, increase the risk of severe Covid-19 infection. An increased focus on wellness would provide employment opportunities for dieticians, exercise physiologists, behavior change counselors, and other health and wellness professionals. For years, we have known that unhealthy lifestyle habits contribute to chronic disease; the pandemic may finally bring this issue to the forefront.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Health Communication Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Deborah Riebe Ph.D.: The pandemic may bring a renewed focus on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We have known for a long time that poor lifestyle choices contribute to chronic disease. We now know that unhealthy lifestyle practices are tied to poorer Covid-19 outcomes. While our healthcare system has traditionally focused on illness, I am hopeful that we turn our attention to health promotion/disease prevention through a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to public health professionals, a renewed focus on health and wellness would increase the demand for behavior change counselors, exercise physiologists, nutritionists and registered dieticians, and wellness communication specialists. Health and wellness professionals can and should play a role in non-traditional settings. Imagine a city planning board that includes an exercise physiologist so that the importance of a focus on a walkable and bike-able community is not overlooked.
Dr. Erika Austin
Associate Professor, Associate DeanUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Public Health
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Health Communication Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Erika Austin: Dramatic increase.
What experience really stands out on Health Communication Specialist resumes?
Joshua Thompson: In my opinion, the best experiences that stand out on a resume are first, the internship, and second, any extra-curricular activities the student is involved in. Students can provide additional information during an interview from their experiences in an internship. Student involvement shows other initiatives and potential self-motivation, which are positives for any employer.
In the current environment we are in, having any understanding and experience in the field, even as someone who is in their first professional employment opportunity, and not just a desire but a propensity to not only show up but complete tasks to better themselves, will provide value to the organization, and in turn, potentially separate the new employee from their peers.
Halaevalu Ofahengaue Vakalahi
Dean and ProfessorHawai'i Pacific University
College of Health & Society
How do you envision technology impacting Health Communication Specialists in the next 5 years?
Halaevalu Ofahengaue Vakalahi: Social work has already leveraged technology, working with people across the lifespan, from children to older adults. Social work education is being delivered online and virtually. Social work practice has been done through technology-mediated mechanisms. In Social Work, technology is a medium for access to education and services.