Overview
Public health officers and managers at city, county, state, and federal agencies saw demand accelerate sharply following the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal positions — especially at the CDC, NIH, FDA, and HRSA — sit on the GS schedule with locality pay. The Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service is a uniformed service with pay equivalent to military officers. State health department salaries vary considerably, with coastal states leading. Many roles qualify for PSLF.
Highest-paying states
Annual median salary for Public Health Officers by state (BLS OEWS 2024–2026)
Lowest-paying states
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $46,000 |
| West Virginia | $48,000 |
| Arkansas | $50,000 |
| South Dakota | $52,000 |
| Idaho | $54,000 |
Benefits & total compensation
Base salary is only part of the picture. Government employers typically provide benefits packages that add 30–50% on top of base pay in total value. Key benefits for Public Health Officers include:
- ✓PSLF eligibility for federal and government-entity roles
- ✓Defined-benefit pension (FERS or state equivalent)
- ✓Comprehensive health benefits
- ✓Continuing education and professional development funding
- ✓Commissioned Corps officers receive military-equivalent pay and benefits
- ✓Paid MPH/DrPH study leave at some agencies
What affects your pay
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Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023–2024. Figures represent median annual wages for workers in the listed occupation. Total compensation including benefits, overtime, and pension contributions may differ substantially from base salary. Last reviewed: April 2026.