According to the Indeed.com, Public health refers to the health and wellbeing of the public, ranging from general health and wellness to outbreaks and pandemics. Public health degrees teach students about public health services and how to administer and improve care for the general population. If you’re studying for a public health degree or recently graduated, there are many career paths in public health you can move into. In this article, we explore 14 examples of public health degree careers with up-to-date salary information and a summary of their primary duties and responsibilities. Let’s look in the 14 Highest paying public health jobs even in humanitarian settings.
Learning Outcome
By the end of this article, you will:
- Understand the 14 highest paying public health jobs available even in humanitarian settings.
- Learn about the salary expectations for public health jobs, especially with a B.Sc. in Public Health.
- Know how these jobs play a role in both local and international humanitarian work.
- Understand the basic job roles and career growth opportunities in the field of public health.
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Topic Contents Outline
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Introduction to public health careers
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Why salary matters in public health roles
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Humanitarian settings and job demand
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Breakdown of the 14 highest paying public health jobs:
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Biostatistician
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Occupational Health Advisor
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Public Health Nurse
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Public Health Engineer
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Medical Administrator
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Nutritionist
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Public Health Consultant
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Epidemiologist
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Occupational Hygiene Specialist
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Health Education Specialist
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Health Services Manager
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Safety Engineer
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Environmental Health Specialist
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Emergency Response Coordinator
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Salary expectations in Nigeria and abroad
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Career paths and certifications
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Tips for getting started
Topic Goal
The goal of this topic is to help you discover the 14 highest paying public health jobs you can do even in humanitarian settings, so you can make informed decisions about your career. This guide will also show how a Public Health degree—even just a B.Sc. in Public Health—can lead to well-paying jobs that also help people.
Introduction
When people think about high-paying jobs, public health might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But here’s the truth—public health jobs can offer very good salaries, especially for professionals working in both developed countries and humanitarian settings like war zones, disaster relief camps, and refugee centers.
With a B.Sc. in Public Health, you have the foundation to enter many fields such as disease prevention, community health, disaster management, and more. In this blog, we will explore the 14 highest paying public health jobs, describe what each job involves, what qualifications you need, and how much you might earn—whether you’re in Nigeria, other African countries, or international missions with NGOs or organizations like WHO, UNICEF, or MSF.
Read also: how to become humanitarian aid worker
Topic Content
Public Health Careers That Pay Well—Even in Humanitarian Work
Let’s go deep into each of the 14 top-paying public health jobs. These jobs not only pay well but also give you a chance to save lives and protect communities.
Biostatistician
A biostatistician works with numbers and data to understand health trends. In a humanitarian setting, they help track disease outbreaks and make decisions based on data.
What you do: Collect and analyze health statistics
Skills needed: Math, data analysis, computer software
Salary range: $65,000–$120,000/year internationally
In Nigeria: ₦4M–₦10M/year
This job is one of the 14 highest paying public health jobs because organizations rely on accurate data to plan health responses.
Occupational Health Advisor
These experts help keep workers healthy in dangerous environments, such as refugee camps or construction sites.
What you do: Monitor workplace health, prevent injuries
Skills needed: Risk assessment, safety training
Salary range: $70,000–$130,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦3.5M–₦9M/year
It’s especially important in settings where staff work long hours under stress.
Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses focus on community health rather than hospital care. They play a huge role in vaccination campaigns, disease prevention, and education.
What you do: Provide healthcare, educate families
Skills needed: Nursing license, community care experience
Salary range: $60,000–$95,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦2.5M–₦6M/year
In humanitarian settings, this role is highly respected and in demand.
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Public Health Engineer
Clean water, proper waste disposal, and safe housing—these are managed by public health engineers.
What you do: Design systems for water, sanitation, and hygiene
Skills needed: Engineering degree, problem-solving
Salary range: $75,000–$130,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦5M–₦12M/year
They are lifesavers in areas hit by natural disasters or conflict.
Medical Administrator
Medical administrators organize healthcare operations in clinics, hospitals, and NGO field centers.
What you do: Manage health programs, supervise staff
Skills needed: Leadership, budgeting, communication
Salary range: $70,000–$110,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦3.5M–₦8M/year
Many with a B.Sc. in Public Health grow into this role after gaining experience.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists help treat and prevent malnutrition, especially in emergency settings.
What you do: Assess and manage dietary needs
Skills needed: Nutrition science, counseling
Salary range: $55,000–$90,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦2M–₦5M/year
They are key team members during droughts and food crises.
Public Health Consultant
This is one of the most flexible and well-paid jobs. Consultants give advice on health strategies for governments and NGOs.
What you do: Provide expert advice on health programs
Skills needed: Experience, communication, critical thinking
Salary range: $80,000–$150,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦6M–₦15M/year
They often work on large projects with big budgets.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are “disease detectives.” They find out how diseases spread and help stop them.
What you do: Study disease patterns, lead research
Skills needed: Data analysis, research skills
Salary range: $70,000–$120,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦4M–₦10M/year
They were vital during COVID-19, Ebola, and cholera outbreaks.
Occupational Hygiene Specialist
This role focuses on environmental risks in the workplace.
What you do: Evaluate and control risks in workplaces
Skills needed: Safety, chemistry, health science
Salary range: $60,000–$100,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦3M–₦7M/year
They are often hired by humanitarian organizations to protect their staff.
Health Education Specialist
They educate the public about how to stay healthy, prevent disease, and make better health decisions.
What you do: Plan and deliver health programs
Skills needed: Teaching, communication, empathy
Salary range: $50,000–$85,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦2.5M–₦6M/year
Good education helps reduce disease outbreaks.
Read also: How to Become a Nurse Supervisor in MSF
Health Services Manager
They manage clinics and health programs. They are like the CEO of a health center.
What you do: Oversee operations, manage staff and budgets
Skills needed: Management, leadership
Salary range: $70,000–$120,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦4M–₦9M/year
In humanitarian zones, they are vital in coordinating mobile health teams.
Safety Engineer
They make sure that health workers and communities stay safe during crises.
What you do: Design safety systems and procedures
Skills needed: Engineering, safety knowledge
Salary range: $65,000–$110,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦3M–₦8M/year
Their work helps prevent accidents and disease.
Environmental Health Specialist
This job focuses on keeping the environment safe—clean air, water, and land.
What you do: Test and fix environmental risks
Skills needed: Science, inspection, problem-solving
Salary range: $60,000–$100,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦3.5M–₦7.5M/year
Especially important in refugee camps or post-disaster areas.
Emergency Response Coordinator
They respond fast to health crises—outbreaks, disasters, and conflicts.
What you do: Lead emergency health responses
Skills needed: Fast thinking, planning, public health
Salary range: $75,000–$135,000/year
In Nigeria: ₦6M–₦12M/year
They are the frontline heroes of public health emergencies.
Conclusion
Public health is not just about helping people; it can also be a smart career move. As we’ve seen in this blog on the 14 highest paying public health jobs, there are many well-paid opportunities in both regular healthcare and humanitarian settings. Whether you’re a recent graduate with a B.Sc. in Public Health, or already experienced, there’s a path for you.
With job roles such as epidemiologist, nutritionist, public health nurse, or consultant, you can earn well while making a real difference. Understanding public health degree job salaries, both in Nigeria and internationally, can help you set goals and plan for a bright future.
Self-Assessment
Answer the following to test your understanding:
- What are three jobs from this list that are also in high demand in humanitarian settings?
- How much can a public health nurse earn in Nigeria?
- Which job works mostly with data and disease patterns?
- Name one job that focuses on environmental health.
- Which position manages safety and risks in the workplace?
References
- World Health Organization – Careers in Public Health
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Public Health Salaries
- Nigerian Health Workforce Report
- MSF (Doctors Without Borders) Job Profiles
- UNICEF Humanitarian Careers Guide
- Public Health Degree Salary Guide – Indeed.com