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Job outlook for public health workers in the United States
Are public health worker jobs in demand?
Public health worker job and salary trends over time
Public health worker jobs over time
Public health worker job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,589 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,489 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,501 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,382 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,323 | 0.00% |
Average public health worker salary over time
Public health worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,507 | $20.44 | +4.1% |
| 2024 | $40,848 | $19.64 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $40,018 | $19.24 | +3.0% |
| 2022 | $38,834 | $18.67 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $37,781 | $18.16 | +2.8% |
Public health worker jobs by state
Most common states for public health workers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 336 | 48% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 258 | 30% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 357 | 27% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 494 | 26% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,044 | 24% |
| 6 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 1,622 | 24% |
| 7 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,496 | 24% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,414 | 23% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 402 | 23% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 217 | 23% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 679 | 22% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,176 | 21% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 129 | 21% |
| 14 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 988 | 20% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,238 | 18% |
| 16 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 719 | 18% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,756 | 17% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 956 | 17% |
| 19 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 809 | 17% |
| 20 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 4,192 | 15% |
Most common cities for public health workers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $43,228 |
| 2 | Oxnard | 1 | 0% | $47,675 |
Public Health Worker job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of public health worker experts
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Wake Forest University
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Pennsylvania State University
University of Bridgeport
University of Florida Health
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Texas at San Antonio
YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
Van Whaley DC, EdD
Assistant Professor-in-ResidenceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Nutrition Sciences
What Public Health Worker 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.
Ted Eaves
Associate teaching professorWake Forest University
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What Public Health Worker 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.
Corey Hannah
Program Director, Master of Science in Athletic TrainingUniversity of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Department of Kinesiology
What skills stand out on Public Health Worker 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 Public Health Workers possess?
Corey Hannah: Empathy, sensitivity, and confidentiality in a medical environment, confidence, and trust to ensure credibility.
What skills will help Public Health Workers 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)
Jessica Clontz
Assistant Teaching Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Program Coordinator, HDFSPennsylvania State University
Human Development and Family Studies Department
What skills stand out on Public Health Worker resumes?
Jessica Clontz: The skills employers are looking for include teamwork, leadership, creativity, and flexibility. Although many agencies have moved to a remote service delivery model, professionals are still working as a team to meet client needs effectively. Employers want leaders who are not afraid to take on responsibility and communicate assertively. Working in human services requires you to think on your feet... a lot! Being creative will allow you to meet clients where they are instead of where you want them to be. The pandemic has made flexibility a necessary skill for all human service professionals. Schedules and activities can change at a moment's notice; therefore, you must be able to quickly adapt.
What soft skills should all Public Health Workers possess?
Jessica Clontz: Although the pandemic has changed much of how the human services field functions, the most important skills remain the same: compassion, empathy, creativity, maintaining personal wellness, and holding space for others. With millions of people grieving sudden deaths of loved ones, professionals will need to be prepared to be a witness and hold space for that grief. To avoid compassion fatigue and burnout, it will be helpful for professionals (and employers!) to make personal wellbeing a priority and encourage a balance between work and other fulfilling endeavors.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Public Health Workers?
Jessica Clontz: The pandemic forced us to redesign service delivery; therefore, professionals will need to demonstrate proficiency in tech skills such as setting up and hosting a teleconference, helping clients navigate online services, and leveraging social media for your agency. Although marketing on social media is not usually what professionals in the human services field expect to be doing, it is a necessary component among thriving organizations. Cultivating an engaging presence on social media and other platforms helps reach more people who may be in need of your services.
What skills will help Public Health Workers earn the most?
Jessica Clontz: The ones you continue to strengthen and grow.
Steve Jackowicz Ph.D.
Chair of the Doctoral Program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Assistant Clinical ProfessorUniversity of Bridgeport
Acupuncture Institute
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Public Health Worker job market given the pandemic?
Steve Jackowicz Ph.D.: The Covid-19 pandemic is a worldwide tragedy. One of the most distressing aspects of the pandemic is that there are a large number of patients who suffer from ongoing symptoms even after they recover from the active phase of the infection. These "long haulers" or "Post Covid Syndrome" patients can have deficits that last for months. In fact, we do not know if there will be permanent issues that affect people or if the virus can lie dormant and reassert itself at a later time akin to the varicella virus that causes Chicken Pox and later resurfaces as Shingles. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a host of treatment options (acupuncture, herbal medicines, etc.) which can palliate or cure many of the Post Covid Syndrome responses. Therefore the need for properly trained and licensed TCM providers will increase due to the Pandemic.
What soft skills should all Public Health Workers 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Public Health Workers?
Keith Benson: There will be an ongoing impact on graduates. The extent of the impact is yet to be determined. Many healthcare organizations are delaying or limiting the hiring of new personnel due to financial concerns caused by the pandemic. However, as some administrators retire early or leave the healthcare management field there may be new opportunities. From what I have seen since March 2020 is that it is taking longer for some graduates to find a healthcare management job.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Public Health Workers?
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 Public Health Workers 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 Public Health Worker 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.
What Public Health Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Frank Borgers Ph.D.: From where I sit (within a Masters level program), the most popular "gap year" route has been via administrative fellowships. These 1-2 year programs are an incredible avenue to receive senior leadership mentorship, participate in a wide range of organizational functions and activities, and are the gateway to an accelerated leadership pathway. Our program has had great success in placing students in these highly competitive positions, our alumni reports on these opportunities are extremely positive, and their post-graduation careers exemplify a fast-track leadership pathway.
Sara Oswalt Ph.D.
Department Chair and ProfessorUniversity of Texas at San Antonio
Department of Public Health
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Public Health Worker job market given the pandemic?
Sara Oswalt Ph.D.: I envision that graduates from public health programs will have increased opportunities in the coming years. The pandemic has focused attention on prevention of health issues and implementation of public health strategies. Those within the field who have experience in individual health behavior change, contact tracing, and policy development and implementation will be strong candidates for jobs. Of course, infectious disease expertise will be valued but individuals understanding how to address chronic health conditions will also be needed.
What Public Health Worker 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.
What general advice would you give to a Public Health Worker?
Sara Oswalt Ph.D.: Try to get as much experience as you can, even if it's volunteering. Experiencing different roles and settings provides a better understanding of what kind of organization you want to work for and what kind of job you want. This can be especially important if that first job isn't ideal. The reality is many folks take a first job just to get one, and this is okay because you need experience in the field. Continuing to volunteer allows you to learn more about yourself, your community and how you fit. It can also help make connections that allow you to learn about new opportunities when they do occur.
Nicole Hansen
Director of Mission AdvancementYMCA of Greater Fort Wayne
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Public Health Workers?
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 Public Health Workers 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 Public Health Worker 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.