Media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic indirectly highlighted public health jobs and the need for a strong workforce. However, there are still many misconceptions about public health and potential job opportunities in this sought-after field. According to the National Skills Commission, employer demand in health industries has increased by over 50 per cent since the pandemic. And the vacancies are varied. There are many different public health jobs in demand to suit a wide range of skill sets and interests, whether you prefer analysing data, co-ordinating teams, or working face to face with community members.
The importance of public health careers in Australia
Unlike other areas of the healthcare industry that focus on one-to-one patient care, public health provides education and resources to the wider population. We saw this during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the skills of epidemiologists were called on to help us understand the disease, and other public health professionals were tasked with promoting health messages around COVID-19 safety.
But public health isn’t just important during pandemics. With demand rising across all areas of public health, it’s important to ensure your qualifications are up to date. A postgraduate qualification can give you the skills you need to step into public health graduate jobs with confidence. Whether you’re a public health professional looking to upskill, or you’re employed in another industry and looking for a career change, GlobalHealth Education has several postgraduate options available from some of Australia’s leading universities.
The top public health jobs for postgraduates
Opportunities for public health degree jobs are available across a variety of organisations, including but not limited to:
- the public or private sector
- hospitals
- research firms
- pharmaceutical companies
- community organisations
There have been enormous changes in the public health sector in the past few years and employers are looking for highly skilled professionals with public health degrees. The Public Health Association of Australia reports that employees with tertiary education have greater opportunity for increased salary and career advancement. Students with postgraduate qualifications can further benefit with advanced training and specific industry insight.
With many education, health leadership and community nursing jobs in demand, now is a great time to start studying. Discover the extensive public health jobs available to you with a postgraduate public health degree in Australia.
Health data analyst
A health data analyst reviews and interprets data to improve operations in medical facilities. These professionals work for public and private organisations and significantly impact the healthcare industry but do not commonly deal with patients.
A health data analyst earns an average of $110,000 to $115,000 per year.
Public health educator
A public health educator develops and delivers educational programs to promote healthy habits in the community. These professionals work in private and public educational institutions, including schools and universities, and would suit someone interested in health education.
A health educator earns an average of $105,000 to $115,000 per year.
Public health program manager
A public health program manager plans and designs public health programs for the community. This leadership role often oversees the management of institutions like healthcare centres and hospitals.
A public health program manager earns an average of $115,000 to $130,000 per year.
Epidemiologist
An epidemiologist researches and analyses diseases and public health issues. They work in various settings, including hospitals, universities and research institutions. This role suits someone interested in disease prevention.
An epidemiologist earns an average of $110,000 to $120,000 per year.
Health policy advisor
These professionals advise government agencies and private organisations on healthcare policies and regulations. As the people responsible for shaping public and private health measures, the role is vital.
A health policy advisor earns an average of $100,000 to $115,000 per year.
Communicable disease analyst
A communicable disease analyst studies how diseases spread in a community setting. The role involves monitoring and analysing various diseases and would suit someone interested in public health and research.
A communicable disease analyst earns an average of $125,000 to $130,000 per year.
Public health researcher
A public health researcher is a broad research-focused role that studies disease control and prevention, healthcare access, and healthcare promotion. These professionals work in various settings, including public health institutions, community organisations and not-for-profit organisations.
A public health researcher earns an average of $90,000 to $110,000 per year.
Health promotion officer
A health promotion officer can work in the private or public healthcare sector, implementing strategies that promote health and prevent disease. The role includes community awareness, outreach programs, and creating educational materials.
A health promotion officer earns an average of $80,000 to $90,000 per year.
Data analyst
A data analyst working in a healthcare setting interprets and analyses data to enable policy and decision-making. This role would be suited to someone with strong analytical and technical skills, with an interest in improving health outcomes.
A data analyst earns an average of $95,000 to $115,000 per year.
Launch your public health career with an online course
Given most public health jobs require specialist qualifications, online study opens doors for people who may not be able to commit to a full-time, on-campus degree. Studying a Master of Public Health online gives you the flexibility to balance such commitments while studying at your own pace.
Benefits include:
- Studying while working full-time
- Studying full-time or part-time, depending on your commitments
- Taking breaks from studying as needed
- Receiving valuable support from student advisors
Our postgraduate public health courses
GlobalHealth Education has a range of postgraduate public health degrees from some of Australia’s leading universities.
If you’ve never studied or worked in public health, you can begin with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Public Health. If you’d rather enter a more specialised field, consider a Graduate Certificate in Health Analytics or Graduate Certificate in Public Health and Communicable Disease.
If you’ve already studied or worked in public health, you may be able to enter a Master of Public Health. GlobalHealth Education provides tailored options through its university partners, including the Master of Public Health Majoring in Data Analytics and Master of Public Health Specialising in Global Health Leadership. These degrees can open the door to the many public health jobs available.
Taking the next step towards a successful public health career
The public health industry is growing quickly. Public health jobs are in-demand and skilled workers are set to take advantage of new opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned public health professional looking to upskill or brand new to the industry, GlobalHealth Education can help you stand out from the crowd with a specialised postgraduate degree.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
