Updated May 6, 2021
As the U.S. population ages, the healthcare industry is expected to grow by 15 percent and add 2.4 million new jobs by 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s good news for those exploring a rewarding career in public health. UVM offers an online Master of Public Health degree in partnership with Larner College of Medicine which can prepare students for a variety of the fastest growing careers in Public Health.
Public Health Career Opportunities
Here are 5 public health careers expected to grow in coming years.
Epidemiologists
Epidemiologists are likely to have good job prospects over the next several years. Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. Most epidemiologists have a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a related field, and some have completed a doctoral degree in epidemiology or medicine. UVM also offers an online Certificate of Graduate Study in Epidemiology.
The average annual wage for epidemiologists is $74,560 as of May 2020, and employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 5 percent until 2029, according to the BLS.
Biostatisticians
Biostatisticians work as academics in the biomedical field analyzing the effects of treatments, environmental conditions and other factors on living things. Most professionals have a master’s or doctorate degree in biostatistics or a related field, such as mathematics or biology.
While the BLS does not specifically track employment data for biostatisticians, it does note that the 2020 median salary for statisticians is $92,270. BLS reports that employment of statisticians is projected to grow 33 percent until 2029.
Medical and Health Services Managers and Administrators
Professionals in this field oversee, plan and direct services in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, group medical practices, and more. Most employers prefer master’s degrees in this area. UVM’s online Certificate of Graduate Study in Healthcare Management & Policy introduces students to a range of policy, finance and management issues impacting healthcare and public health in today’s changing and challenging environment.
The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $104,280 in May 2020. Employment is expected to increase 32 percent until 2029, according to the BLS.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Professionals in this field pinpoint and examine environmental hazards that might impact population health. Most candidates looking to work in this field must have at least a bachelor’s degree. UVM’s Certificate of Graduate Study in Global and Environmental Health helps students explore a range of health hazards, health-promotion strategies and environmental public health practices.
The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $73,230 in May 2020, according to the BLS. Employment will see an 8 percent increase until 2029.
Health Educators and Community Health Workers
Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness, and develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities. Meanwhile, community health workers collect data and discuss health concerns with members of specific populations or communities.
In May 2020, the median annual wage for health educators was $56,500, and community health workers was $$42,000, according to the BLS. Employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent until 2029.
