Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for senior program specialists/program specialists in the United States
Are senior program specialist/program specialist jobs in demand?
Senior program specialist/program specialist job and salary trends over time
Senior program specialist/program specialist jobs over time
Senior program specialist/program specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 162 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 163 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 165 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 160 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 156 | 0.00% |
Average senior program specialist/program specialist salary over time
Senior program specialist/program specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $84,195 | $40.48 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $82,088 | $39.47 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $79,021 | $37.99 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $77,546 | $37.28 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $74,479 | $35.81 | +3.2% |
Senior program specialist/program specialist jobs by state
Most common states for senior program specialists/program specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 364 | 52% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 163 | 26% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 239 | 25% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 186 | 25% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 143 | 25% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 260 | 19% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 191 | 18% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 190 | 18% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 919 | 16% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 585 | 16% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 491 | 16% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 316 | 16% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 143 | 16% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 816 | 15% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 640 | 15% |
| 16 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 466 | 15% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 110 | 15% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 969 | 14% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 245 | 14% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 188 | 14% |
Most common cities for senior program specialists/program specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 4 | 7% | $71,881 |
| 2 | Davenport | 4 | 4% | $93,480 |
| 3 | Troy | 3 | 4% | $62,650 |
| 4 | Coral Gables | 2 | 4% | $75,173 |
| 5 | Metairie | 3 | 2% | $69,419 |
| 6 | Torrance | 3 | 2% | $103,149 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $70,846 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $72,201 |
| 9 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $89,032 |
| 10 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $95,140 |
| 11 | Birmingham | 3 | 1% | $68,082 |
| 12 | Miami | 3 | 1% | $75,160 |
| 13 | Tampa | 3 | 1% | $75,351 |
| 14 | Anchorage | 2 | 1% | $70,424 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $78,274 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $83,480 |
| 17 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $82,392 |
| 18 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $76,311 |
| 19 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $62,696 |
Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior program specialist/program specialist experts
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Michigan State University
North Dakota State University
The University of West Florida
University of San Francisco
Wake Forest University
University of Indianapolis
Pennsylvania State University
Freed-Hardeman University
Oklahoma Baptist University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Western Carolina University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Maryville University
Arlington Baptist University
University of Illinois at Chicago
BU School of Public Health
Bowling Green State University
Van Whaley DC, EdD
Assistant Professor-in-ResidenceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Nutrition Sciences
What Senior Program Specialist/Program 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.
Dr. Darline El Reda DrPH, MPH
Associate Director, Master of Public HealthMichigan State University
Public Health
What general advice would you give to a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist?
Dr. Darline El Reda DrPH, MPH: Data management skills and policy and health advocacy skills will continue to be very important skills in the near future, and this includes communication skills. We saw this during Covid-19 worldwide and we continue to see this regardless of the public health topic area. It goes without saying that as a society we are generating data in an unprecedented fashion (variety, volume, and velocity) and this will not change anytime soon. Our ability to leverage data to describe the drivers of sub-optimal health and communicate risk reduction strategies to those impacted will only be strengthened with advanced data manipulation skills, ability to leverage insights to advocate for and communicate to members of the public and policy makers.
What Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Darline El Reda DrPH, MPH: Prioritize continuing to enhance skills that were developed or introduced in your public health studies. For example, you may have learned data analytic skills or a coding language; consider taking courses to earn a certification in a coding language or package (there are plenty of low cost of free trainings online); this demonstrates initiative and may save your Employer time and resources required to onboarding you. An employee that is viewed as entering the workforce ready to roll up their sleeves will be more likely to negotiate a higher salary. Also, do not forget to invest in field agnostic skills like project management and coaching employees; these are important for individual contributors and even more important for Managers or Directors. Ability to manage people and projects result in higher paid roles.
What will help Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Darline El Reda DrPH, MPH: Public health is a broad field, and it may take you a few years (and, maybe a few positions) to discover what specific topics or areas of public health practice interest you the most. Be patient with this process because exposure to a wide variety of topics and interest areas will ultimately make you a stronger public health practitioner.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist?
Akshaya Bhagavathula PhD: My daily tasks include: collecting and analyzing health-related data, conducting research, planning and evaluating public health programs, preparing reports, and collaborating with diverse teams to address public health challenges.
What Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Akshaya Bhagavathula PhD: I strongly believe that pursuing a career as a Public Health analyst is an excellent choice in the current context. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of public health professionals in responding to health crises, protecting population health, and promoting health equity.
What Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wesley Farr MD, MPH: The opportunities to benefit the public with effective programs that combat infectious diseases and non-communicable chronic diseases provide much job satisfaction for Public Health Analysts.
Many Public Health Analyst positions are government positions with lower pay than the private sector, and the volume of data that has to be analyzed can be stressful.
What will help Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists increase their earning potential?
Wesley Farr MD, MPH: The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized how important it is to research current health issues, develop solutions, and analyze the effectiveness of existing and newly implemented programs. Ongoing infectious disease problems and future pandemics require a state of constant vigilance and preparedness. Health care requirements and utilization continue to expand, and demonstration of the effectiveness of programs is essential to optimize resources under budgetary constraints.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist?
Leland Ackerson ScD, MPH: For career advancement, students should learn, improve and demonstrate their soft skills directly relevant to the position, such as critical thinking, time management, communications, team work and willingness to take on challenges. It is important for new graduates to show that they can apply what they learned in classrooms to solve real-world problems, prove a strong ability to learn by themselves in new environments, and demonstrate their value to the company or organization.
What Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leland Ackerson ScD, MPH: The use of data is becoming more important in all job fields, including public health. Skills in informatics and technology will be crucial in the coming years to allow public health professionals to collect, analyze, store, and communicate this information so they can optimize population health outcomes. Learning to use software for data visualization, information management, and statistical analysis will improve your ability to plan better public health strategies, and can really give a boost to your career prospects.
What will help Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists increase their earning potential?
Leland Ackerson ScD, MPH: Networking is as crucial as ever. Accredited public health programs require a student to complete some kind of internship or practicum experience to graduate. Students have the most success after graduation if they use this practicum experience to gain, not just job skills, but also connections in their field and the people skills required to cultivate these connections. Any interaction can provide you with an important opportunity if you keep an open mind.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist?
Helisse Levine Ph.D.: Start building your resumes early and network before and during employment. Build
relationships! Research the market in terms of salary ranges and qualifications, and
don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Knowing your value is an essential part of the
negotiation process! If you are in service, ask for feedback, take on added
responsibilities, and be a good co-worker. Being personable goes a long way!
What Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Helisse Levine Ph.D.: While your MPH degree will provide the academic credentials and specialized
knowledge that employers want, take advantage of volunteer opportunities, fellowships,
workshops, internships, research projects, and practicum experiences that your
Program offers. As a recent MPH graduate embarking on a public health career, keep
in mind that career paths may not be linear, and your first position will most likely not be
your last. As artificial intelligence, healthcare systems, value-based care, and cross-
sector partnerships, such as business and government collaborations have become
more of the norm than the exceptions, and risk factors for emerging infectious disease
transmission have increased, familiarize yourself with the areas where public health
graduates are needed; remember the field is innovative and dynamic.
There are many rewarding career pathways for MPH graduates that lead to professional
and personal growth including community health, finance, strategic management,
healthcare administration, policy development, research, advocacy, and leadership.
Public health graduates have opportunities to work in government health, the
pharmaceutical industry, public hospitals, and the nonprofit and private sectors. Stay
the course and keep an open mind!
What will help Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists increase their earning potential?
Helisse Levine Ph.D.: Potential employers of MPH graduates seek skills that combine hard skills (e.g.,
data analysis, and program planning management achieved through your graduate
work) and soft skills that you can demonstrate. For example, be prepared to illustrate
with concrete examples that you work well in groups, both as a team leader and team
player, and can express how to solve problems effectively. According to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS Occupational Handbook), both Medical and Health Service
Managers and Epidemiologists are in the top ten of the fastest-growing occupations with
the highest projected percent change of employment between 2022-2032. The BLS
recommends analytical skills to improve efficiency and meet goals, written and speaking
communication skills to effectively convey information to all stakeholders, high levels of
detail orientation, and strong critical thinking skills in responding to a public health
problem. Importantly, to reduce systemic and structural barriers that result in health
inequities, public health officials must apply principles of ethics, diversity, equity, and
inclusion in the workplace. Financial management, including financial data
interpretation and communication, is also a value-added skill for success in your public
health career. Having the ability to assess and correct the organization's financial status
will set you above most MPH graduates.
Laura Chyu
Associate Professor, BSPH and MPH Program DirectorUniversity of San Francisco
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist?
Laura Chyu: Showcase your skills, strengths, assets, and qualifications. Be prepared to articulate the unique value you would bring to the potential employer and the organization.
Be prepared to negotiate your salary. Become familiar with average and median salaries and salary ranges for comparable positions in your geographic location, and use market benchmarks in your negotiation. In addition to salary, also consider other benefits including retirement plans, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Stay current on relevant skills for your job. Seek opportunities for certification or involvement in projects to learn new skills that will make you a more competitive candidate.
What will help Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists increase their earning potential?
Laura Chyu: Communication and information management
Communication has always been central to public health, and writing and oral communication will continue to be essential skills. We also have to evolve with a rapidly changing information ecosystem and become adept with new forms of communication. This involves leveraging technology and social media to deliver accurate, reliable, evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and creative public health information. A written report or a Powerpoint presentation are appropriate in certain contexts, but public health information shared on social media via an infographic, video, or sound byte have become increasingly common and influential ways to reach a diverse range of audiences and dispel disinformation and misinformation.
Data science and analytics
In a world where we are swimming in data, skills in data analytics and data science are increasingly in high demand. In addition to traditional public health surveillance methods, we need to leverage innovative technologies to identify, prevent, manage, and predict disease and health behavior trends. Novel data sources (e.g. geolocation, mobile phone tracking, social media, search query, wastewater, etc.) have powerful and practical applications in public health, and we need public health professionals who are trained to utilize both traditional and innovative data sources.
Leadership
Diverse, skilled, and resilient leaders are much needed to strengthen our public health infrastructure and efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed the detrimental impact of inadequate leadership on the health and well-being of communities and conversely, how effective leadership resulted in evidence-based action and policy that averted illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Essential public health leadership skills and characteristics include emotional intelligence, cultural humility, adaptability to dynamic circumstances, integrity and ethical standards, ability to develop strategic partnerships and collaborations, and advocacy for the marginalized.
Ted Eaves
Associate teaching professorWake Forest University
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What Senior Program Specialist/Program 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.
Dr. Kara Cecil
Assistant Professor of Public HealthUniversity of Indianapolis
Department Of Kinesiology, Health & Sport Science
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists?
Dr. Kara Cecil: I hear from our internship supervisors and managers in the field that many graduates lack adequate skills in common word processing systems like Excel. So many school systems have moved to a Google-based system. Students may be proficient in these systems, but in the workforce, I am hearing most workplaces utilize traditional Word programs such as Microsoft Office. Students can intentionally develop this skill set by choosing to complete some work in these programs. Proficiency in one will facilitate the use of another. But, when a graduate has a new position with 40 hours per week of work expected, spending time learning the idiosyncrasies of an unfamiliar program gets in the way of success. In addition to this, I would suggest graduates keep a lifelong learning mindset. Your coursework cannot possibly prepare you for every work challenge. The field is evolving too fast to rest on your laurels. We should always stay curious, keep reading, and continue to look for new ways to improve our work and world.
Jessica Clontz
Assistant Teaching Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Program Coordinator, HDFSPennsylvania State University
Human Development and Family Studies Department
What skills will help Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists earn the most?
Jessica Clontz: The ones you continue to strengthen and grow.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists?
Kristen Roberson: The workplace will forever be altered due to the pandemic, and the effects of those in career transitions, not just those graduating now, will be impacted for some time. It will take some time for the new normal to be normal.
Dr. Daryl Green
Associate Professor of BusinessOklahoma Baptist University
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Daryl Green: I have been researching emerging employment trends for several years. While working for the Department of Energy as a senior engineer, I have served as a college recruiter. There were gaps in the students' skill sets compared to employers' needs. I later co-authored a book called Job Strategies for the 21st Century to provide students with the necessary tools for future employment. 2021 will be very difficult due to the pandemic. From my research, here are 2021 employment trends to consider:
-Global Market - We are connected! Since employers can tap into human resources across the world, students will compete against others across the globe.
-Students who understand this employment reality will be better prepared.
-AI and Automation - Artificial intelligence is disruptive technology. Companies can avoid the high expense of labor through automation. According to 2013 Oxford University study, nearly half of American jobs are at risk of being taken over by computers by 2033. Students need to understand AI technologies.
-New Work Model - 2020 brought in the explosion of working from home due to Covid-19. Employees already wanted to have more flexibility in life. They got it from employers. Companies responded by offering 70% of full-time workers the ability to work from home!
-Freelancing - Freelancing is part of the gig economy. It goes much further than Airbnb and Uber. In the gig economy, businesses hire independent contractors to perform individual jobs, called "gigs." The total freelancing income is almost $1 trillion. Therefore, students who have an entrepreneurial mindset will fare better.
-Digital & Ecommerce - Covid-19 ushered the digital economy. If companies did not have a digital platform in 2020 with the lockdowns, they did not exist. According to the Internet World Stats, there are currently 4,208,571, 287 internet users. Therefore, students cannot afford to miss this continuing trend of digital platforms.
Brett Lehman Ph.D.
ProfessorAuburn University at Montgomery
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
What's a good job out of college for Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: There is a business side and a human side to this answer. On the business side, I hope graduates are provided benefits like health insurance, a gainful salary, and opportunities for advancement. The way to hit a home-run is to get a job where those needs are taken care of and you still get to use your skills for something you feel is important. Most sociology students get into the subject because they care about the human side, want to help people, and see opportunity for creating positive social change. You'll get motivated sociology graduates when you show them a path towards achievement on the human side; then when we there's less worry about the business side, some impressive results could follow!
What technical skills for a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist stand out to employers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: Business, creative, and organizational skills - I would recommend that upcoming graduates are proficient in Word, Excel (highly used), Powerpoint, Outlook (especially how to send meeting requests and calendar organization), TEAMS, Gantt charts for team management, Mindmapping for creativity, and design software. Additionally, I would recommend that they learn how to properly utilize social media for marketing and PR, not just personal posting. Finally, email etiquette would be essential.
What soft skills should all Senior Program Specialists/Program Specialists possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant ProfessorMaryville University
Speech-Language Pathology
What's a day at work look like for a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!
What technical skills for a Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist stand out to employers?
Peggy Smith: It is my fervent belief (based on research and trends) that the technical skills associated with IT, computer programming, software management, social media specialist, customer relations management (CRM), sales, & marketing will be in high demand particularly as we navigate this new normal world in which we are currently living.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Program Specialist/Program 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.
Lisa Metropolis Toby
Assistant Dean for Career and PracticumBU School of Public Health
Career Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Lisa Metropolis Toby: Just like before the pandemic, we are seeing a huge demand for data science skills. For public health grads, that could mean analyzing health outcomes data that will inform policy and funding decisions; for example, data is needed to decide if states should close schools or keep them open and to ensure health equity across all policies, programs, and services. The pandemic has put a huge spotlight on health disparities across vulnerable populations. Public health grads will see even more jobs that require taking a "health equity lens" to all that we do in terms of public health and health care. Lastly, jobs that require project management and critical thinking and analytical skills will continue to be in demand. We see that growing. For example, implementing telehealth programs is an area that is rapidly growing. It was starting to grow before the pandemic, and now that telehealth visits are being reimbursed, we think there will be lots more job opportunities for public health grads. These need to be implemented, monitored, and evaluated.
What skills stand out on Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist resumes?
Lisa Metropolis Toby: Employers are looking for public health grads to showcase technical skills used to collect, synthesize, analyze, and visualize data. In addition to the basics like Excel and PowerPoint, some of the popular software programs in demand include R, SAS, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Python, and project management software. Show that you have led or managed a project, even if it's a volunteer project. Show that you have collaborated successfully in a team. Show that you have been adaptable and flexible. Since the public health and healthcare landscape is changing so rapidly, employers need candidates who can switch gears easily and figure things out. For example, if you can think of a time when you had to change a project mid-stream, that could be great to showcase. Lastly, while showing work experience is number one, if you're just starting out, remember to add course deliverables onto your resume, especially if you had a class with a "real client" component. Many graduate courses have these types of consulting courses.
Dr. Lauren Maziarz Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorBowling Green State University
Department of Public and Allied Health
What experience really stands out on Senior Program Specialist/Program Specialist resumes?
Dr. Lauren Maziarz Ph.D.: While it is not always feasible right now, finding ways to intern or volunteer, even remotely, is beneficial for building skills and networking for a potential employer. I would recommend using this time to reflect on your career path, gather any credentials necessary or useful for a job (such as certifications or licenses if appropriate), and reach out to employers to see if they are willing to take on an intern. Demonstrating that you have taken this time to grow as an individual and future employee will benefit from traditional coursework.