If you’ve ever wondered, “What can I do with a bachelor’s in public health?” you’re not alone. In a world shaped by pandemics, chronic diseases, and environmental challenges, this degree opens doors to careers that improve lives on a community and global level.
Unlike clinical roles that treat one patient at a time, public health professionals work to prevent illness, promote wellness, and shape policies that protect entire populations. Whether you’re a new graduate or exploring a career change, this 2025 guide walks you through public health career paths, entry-level jobs, salaries, and skills you’ll need — all backed by trusted sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health?
A Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) — or BS in Public Health — is an undergraduate program that teaches you how to protect and improve health at the population level.
You’ll study topics like:
- Epidemiology (how diseases spread)
- Biostatistics (how data drives decisions)
- Environmental Health (how surroundings affect well-being)
- Health Policy and Management (how systems shape care)
- Social Determinants of Health (how income, education, and housing influence outcomes)
Most programs combine science, social science, and hands-on training. You might work with community organizations, nonprofits, or local health departments during internships — learning to design health programs, interpret data, and communicate clearly with the public.
This degree is ideal for anyone passionate about equity, prevention, and global wellness. You’ll gain insights into how poverty, environment, and education shape disease patterns — setting you up for meaningful roles in both the public and private sectors.
According to the BLS, healthcare and public health fields are projected to grow much faster than average through 2033, adding millions of new jobs every year.
Key Skills You’ll Gain from a Public Health Degree
A bachelor’s in public health doesn’t just teach theory — it builds practical, transferable skills that employers across industries value.
Here are a few you’ll master:
- Critical Thinking: You’ll learn to analyze health data and find trends that guide solutions.
- Research and Data Analysis: Projects in epidemiology or health policy teach you how to gather and interpret evidence.
- Communication: You’ll practice explaining complex topics — like vaccination or nutrition — in ways everyone understands.
- Organization and Planning: Essential when coordinating programs, writing grants, or managing community events.
- Cultural Competency and Empathy: You’ll understand diverse populations and communicate across languages and lifestyles.
These skills are the backbone of public health careers and easily translate into jobs in education, policy, healthcare administration, or even media and communications.
Top Entry-Level Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Public Health
So, what jobs can you get with a public health degree? The good news: many roles welcome bachelor’s-level graduates — and they’re in demand across government, hospitals, research centers, and NGOs.
Here’s a breakdown of popular entry-level public health jobs, including 2024–2025 salary estimates (from BLS, Glassdoor, and PayScale).
| Job Title | What You’ll Do | Key Skills | Average Annual Salary (2025) |
| Health Education Specialist | Design programs that teach people how to prevent diseases and live healthier lives. Often works in schools, clinics, or nonprofits. | Communication, program planning, research | $54,767 – $59,990 |
| Community Health Worker | Connect communities with health services, conduct outreach, and collect data on local health issues. | Empathy, listening, coordination | $43,318 – $47,500 |
| Public Health Researcher | Analyze data on issues like vaccination rates or addiction trends. Often assists senior researchers. | Data analysis, interviewing, critical thinking | $77,785 – $79,800 |
| Environmental Health Specialist | Inspect workplaces, food services, or water systems to prevent hazards. | Investigation, analysis, communication | $59,800 – $72,519 |
| Medical or Health Content Editor | Review and fact-check medical or wellness content for accuracy. | Writing, editing, attention to detail | $63,716 |
| Public Policy Analyst | Research and evaluate health laws, funding, and regulations. | Policy research, writing, analytical thinking | $80,199 – $81,818 |
| Demographer | Study population trends that influence public health decisions. | Statistics, computer skills | $126,834 |
| Healthcare Administrator | Manage daily operations in clinics or hospitals. | Leadership, budgeting, organization | $71,325 – $110,680 |
| Refugee or Program Coordinator | Help refugees or at-risk populations access health and social services. | Empathy, cross-cultural communication | $48,793 |
| Public Health Investigator | Track disease outbreaks and educate communities during crises. | Surveillance, interviewing, education | $53,400 |
| Emergency Response Planner | Prepare and coordinate responses for natural disasters or pandemics. | Crisis management, planning | $65,868 |
| Disease Prevention Specialist | Monitor and prevent the spread of communicable diseases. | Data analysis, policy advocacy | $41,350 |
| Public Health Advisor | Provide guidance for health programs and policies. | Data interpretation, presentation | $88,400 |
Each of these paths offers a unique way to make a real difference. For example, as a Community Health Worker, you could lead workshops on healthy eating in underserved neighborhoods. Or as a Health Policy Analyst, you could influence laws that expand healthcare access.
Salary Expectations for Public Health Graduates
Salaries in public health vary depending on your role, location, and experience. On average, entry-level salaries range between $45,000 and $60,000 per year.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for health education and community health roles is around $68,500, with higher-paying positions — such as public health researchers or policy analysts — reaching $80,000+ early on.
Urban areas like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. tend to offer higher salaries due to cost of living and job demand. Certifications such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or Certified in Public Health (CPH) can also increase your earnings by 10–20%.
Overall, graduates can expect solid job security and competitive pay, especially as health challenges continue to evolve worldwide.
Job Outlook and Growth Opportunities
The job outlook for public health professionals remains strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in fields like community health and health education through 2031 — faster than the national average.
Specialized areas are growing even faster:
- Biostatistics: +32% projected growth
- Health Services Management: +28% projected growth
- Epidemiology and Global Health: rising demand due to pandemic preparedness and climate impacts
Public health is no longer a niche field — it’s essential to global resilience. Whether addressing air quality, vaccine distribution, or digital health equity, these roles are at the forefront of modern problem-solving.
Advancing Your Career After a Bachelor’s
If you’re wondering what to do after a bachelor’s in public health, further education can take you to leadership or research roles.
Many graduates pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) — specializing in epidemiology, global health, or policy management. Others go on to earn a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) or study related fields like healthcare administration or data analytics.
An MPH can lead to higher-paying positions such as:
- Epidemiologist – average salary $84,584
- Public Health Nurse – average salary $91,057
- Health Program Director – average salary $95,000+
You can also explore 4+1 programs, where you earn your master’s a year sooner.
Best Places and Industries for Public Health Careers
Public health jobs thrive in cities and regions with active health programs and research hubs. Top areas include:
- New York City, NY
- Boston, MA
- Atlanta, GA (home to the CDC)
- Washington, D.C. (policy and global health center)
- Chicago, IL
Major industries hiring public health graduates:
- Government agencies (like CDC and NIH)
- Nonprofit organizations (like WHO and UNICEF)
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Universities and research institutes
- Global NGOs and humanitarian organizations
If you’re open to international work, agencies like the World Health Organization, Doctors Without Borders, and USAID frequently hire candidates with public health backgrounds.
Final Thoughts: Building a Meaningful Career in Public Health
So — what can you do with a bachelor’s in public health? A lot.
You can educate communities, guide policy, respond to crises, or lead programs that make lasting change. This degree opens paths that combine science, empathy, and advocacy — helping you improve lives while building a stable, rewarding career.
Whether you start as a community health worker, a research assistant, or a policy analyst, every step you take contributes to something bigger: health equity and global well-being.
If you’re ready to make a difference, begin by networking, joining professional organizations like the American Public Health Association (APHA), and exploring certification opportunities. The world needs more public health leaders — and your journey can start today.