15 Least Stressful Public Health Jobs (That Also Pay Well)


Written By: Caitlin GoodwinCaitlin Goodwin DNP, CNM, RN

Caitlin Goodwin is a Certified Nurse-Midwife who has been a nurse for 12 years, primarily in women’s health. She is passionate about caring for children with developmental disabilities, as her son has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Caitlin loved working as a camp nurse for a summer camp for those with special needs. Read Full Bio »»
DNP, CNM, RN


Selecting the perfect role in public health means balancing priorities and discovering the job that supports your long-term goals. While seeking a professional career, you are likely wondering, “What are the least stressful public health jobs that pay well?” Public health jobs in the specific fields of health education, health promotion, and program coordination are less stressful than jobs that work with an emergency response or infectious disease. This article will cover the 15 least stressful public health jobs that also pay well in 2024. These public health jobs are relatively low in overall stress yet still offer good pay.



What Exactly is a Low-Stress Public Health Job?


The field of public health focuses on population health, not individual patients. Public health professionals work to decrease the disease burden, improve healthy habits, address social determinants of health, and protect the public from environmental harm in a community. Working as a public health professional is rewarding but some jobs can be stressful. Stressful jobs in the public health sector deal with critical, life-threatening situations, move quickly, require specialized knowledge and training, or address incredibly demanding clientele.

Luckily, the low-stress public health jobs covered in this article are rewarding careers without pressure or urgency. These jobs may pay less than high-stress jobs because there is often less responsibility, overtime, and specialization.

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3 Common Advantages of Low-Stress Public Health Jobs


High-stress public health jobs can lead to physical, mental, and emotional health problems like anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. There are significant advantages to working in low-stress public health jobs, such as:

1. Work-Life Balance:

Low-stress public health positions work standard, predictable daytime hours that allow professionals to perform a regular schedule. The low-stress public health jobs covered in this article rarely require excess work outside of hours or uncompensated overtime. These positions often offer flexibility, remote work, or the ability to choose your shifts, which can reduce burnout.

2. Less overwhelm:

Low-stress public roles give a major part of their responsibility to supervisors and others. Low-stress public health jobs enable professionals to feel rewarding job fulfillment without additional overwhelm.

3. Slower pace:

Most low-stress public health jobs are non-profit or government roles that work at a slower pace than the private sector. The jobs themselves often have less urgent deadlines so things can be done on your time.



What are the Least Stressful Public Health Jobs That Also Pay Well?

(The following is a list of the 15 least stressful public health jobs that also pay well in 2024.)


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #1: Youth Health Facilitator


About the Job:

A youth health facilitator works with youth in the community to promote healthy behaviors and physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Youth health facilitators provide education, support, and resources about nutrition, substance abuse, sexual health, community services, mental health disorders, and public health programs. They may work with individuals or support groups with young people who are experiencing health issues.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

Working as a youth health facilitator allows flexibility in work settings like schools, community centers, and nonprofit organizations. Youth health facilitators often select the hours that they work to perform community outreach and empower young people. The positive work environment and the collaborative team make this one of the most low-stress public health jobs. Additionally, building positive relationships with young people is extremely rewarding and lessens stress.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $31,790 to $116,713.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $15.28 $31,790
Top-Level $56.11 $116,713
Average $37.47 $77,945


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #2: Public Health Educator


About the Job:

Public health educators create and maintain education programs about healthy choices and disease prevention. Their knowledge and expertise enable them to collaborate with other professionals and develop and implement health education initiatives. Public health educators can directly empower their communities because they often work in healthcare organizations, local community centers, and health departments.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

While the work of educating the public is hard, some factors make public health education one of the least stressful public health jobs. Public health educators focus on prevention instead of treatment, so they make a difference before dealing with the negativity and care involved in disease or chronic health conditions. Public health educators also follow the guidance and support of those who have already created established health education programs, so they may not have to reinvent the wheel.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $37,044 to $68,355.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $17.81 $37,044
Top-Level $32.86 $68,355
Average $23.66 $49,208


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #3: Environmental Health Specialist


About the Job:

Environmental health specialists work to identify and understand health issues in order to create solutions to improve public health. They protect people from environmental hazards and dangers like toxic chemicals, preventable diseases, water contamination, and poor air quality. Environmental health specialists study and analyze the influence of environmental factors on public health and focus on decreasing these risks to the public.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

Working as an environmental health specialist provides regular hours and a stable routine. Also, environmental health specialists have a decreased emotional and mental burden because they are not working directly with people. For introverted people, it is the best way to support the community while avoiding constant interaction. Environmental health specialists have stimulating and rewarding jobs addressing pressing public health issues.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $31,790 to $121,710.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $15.28 $31,790
Top-Level $58.51 $121,710
Average $29.14 $60,613


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #4: Community Health Promoter


About the Job:

A community health promoter role combines providing local public health resources by personally engaging with the community. This role enables you to educate and collaborate with community members and other interdisciplinary professionals to promote health. A community health promoter promotes health awareness by empowering individuals to take charge of their health and make healthy choices. Community health promoters may use social media, telecommunication, or verbal and in-person engagement.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

People who are skilled in social media, engaging with the community, or verbal communication will be excellent professionals for this role. Community health promoters often have flexibility in the type of setting, such as community clinics or a local nonprofit agency. They often can choose the focus of health promotion in their role. It is rewarding to make a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals and communities alike by promoting health equity.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $22,570 to $62,880.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $10.85 $22,570
Top-Level $30.23 $62,880
Average $18.54 $38,557


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #5: Public Health Program Assistant Administrator


About the Job:

The public health program assistant administrator has many responsibilities, including coordinating and managing different community health programs and services. Their tasks include providing program implementation and evaluation, assistance with staffing and supervision, community outreach, and administrative support. Public health program assistant administrators typically work under the supervision of a program administrator and may work at a public health organization, nonprofit, or government agency.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

This is one of the least stressful public health jobs because those who work in this career are delegated tasks by their supervisors. This means many organizational processes and responsibilities fall on someone else’s shoulders.

A Public health program assistant administrator’s work is primarily desk-based and does not involve direct patient care or fieldwork. For those who enjoy working with others, the role means a lot of collaboration with other community professionals and teamwork from your co-workers. Depending on the location and setting of the position, there is typically room for upward career growth, including promotions and raises.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $23,000 to $88,000.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $11.06 $23,000
Top-Level $42.31 $88,000
Average $26.30 $54,700


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #6: Public Health Administration Assistant


About the Job:

Public health administrative assistants support the administration by performing tasks like performing data entry, addressing messages, organizing documentation, and other administrative tasks. The administrator of the facility, organization, or team typically delegates tasks to the public health administrative assistant, who is responsible for their assignment

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

What makes a public health administration assistant one of the least stressful public health jobs is the repetitive nature of the job that does not require extensive additional training. The public health administration assistant often receives the same daily, weekly, or monthly tasks. The role also includes a desk-based role that may be done hybrid or remotely in some areas, causing less interaction with the public and more work-life balance.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $17,257 to $57,221.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $8.30 $17,257
Top-Level $27.51 $57,221
Average $17.69 $36,786


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #7: Public Health Research Associate


About the Job:

A public health research associate works with researchers to conduct research and collect, analyze, and interpret data from research and patient health records. Public health research associates evaluate the integrity and necessity of clinical trials, medical literature, and professional guidelines. They aim to further the field of public health research and ensure the vocation has current evidence-based information.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

A public health research associate’s job is intellectually stimulating and gratifying but does not require an extensive technical background. You will also work under a supervisor or researcher who will delegate specific tasks to you. Overall, the responsibility is low, and you can find a work-from-home or hybrid position. There are also a number of opportunities for career advancement which will decrease the stress associated with job security.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $31,790 to $116,713.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $15.28 $31,790
Top-Level $56.11 $116,713
Average $37.47 $77,945


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #8: Health Policy Analyst


About the Job:

A public health policy analyst provides actual data and measurable outcomes of health policies and initiatives. Public health policy analysts evaluate the overall impact of policy on individuals, communities, public health departments, and the health system. The work focuses on analyzing data, policies, and regulations so that they may improve public health outcomes. Public health policy analysts collaborate with policymakers, stakeholders, and other public health professionals to move policy forward.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

This article has covered many low-stress public health jobs, but one of the significant reasons that public health policy analysts make the list is that office-based work may be less stressful than direct patient care or complex medical procedures in faster-paced clinical settings. Teamwork helps public health policy analysts share the load with their colleagues, fostering a better sense of job satisfaction. Public health policy analysts share the load as they support one another and work closely to develop creative solutions.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $35,877 to $72,662.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $17.25 $35,877
Top-Level $34.93 $72,662
Average $29.04 $60,396


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #9: Public Health Program Coordinator


About the Job:

A public health program coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing programs and initiatives that strive to improve the well-being of the community. Public health program coordinators work closely with healthcare professionals and government agencies to create solutions targeting specific public health issues. Promoting programs with community engagement is typically one of the most important roles.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

Working as a public health program coordinator is one of the least stressful public health jobs because it is meaningful and rewarding work that significantly impacts the community. While fulfilling, there is also job security, and a competitive salary. Public health program coordinators can work in a number of different settings. Public health program coordinators also have a positive job outlook.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $17,257 to $67,212.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $8.30 $17,257
Top-Level $32.31 $67,212
Average $20.65 $42,942


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #10: Community Health Worker


About the Job:

A community health worker (CHW) is responsible for health promotion, education, and preventing disease by working with the public to connect them with healthcare services. The CHW works with clients and advocates for communities directly to increase their quality of care. CHWs provide education sessions, case management and support, home visits, collect health data, and perform community outreach. CHWs also address community health disparities to directly improve health outcomes for the communities that need it the most.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

While immersing yourself in the community and working face-to-face with others may have challenges, CHWs are often trained on the job, requiring less stressful training. CHWs work under public health professionals' or clinicians' direction and supervision, decreasing the total number of responsibilities.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $19,982 to $49,954.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $9.61 $19,982
Top-Level $24.02 $49,954
Average $19.46 $40,475


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #11: Public Health Writer


About the Job:

Public health writers create well-researched content on the major issues affecting public health supported by facts. They may write to educate the public or to persuade organizations and stakeholders to support community health. Public health writers write blog articles, brochures, social media copy, and white papers for educational institutions, national organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit groups. Public health writers should possess advanced skills in spelling, grammar, article structure, and organization to be successful.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

Public health writers can work remotely because the job does not require going into an office. Most meetings to discuss planning can be done virtually, and articles can be emailed to the client. It is also an extremely flexible role that can be done for an employer or as a contractor (freelancer). However, it is still important to plan to ensure you can spend the time on research and education before writing and meeting pressing deadlines.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $35,423 to $160,310.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $17.03 $35,423
Top-Level $77.07 $160,310
Average $46.63 $96,998


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #12: Community Health Outreach Specialist


About the Job:

Community outreach specialists manage health programs, policies, and initiatives that promote community wellness. They identify the essential needs of specific populations within the community and ensure the people who need them receive the appropriate services. Community outreach specialists work in public health offices, clinics, shelters, health facilities, and educational institutions and are well-versed in community services and referrals. They strive to resolve client concerns by combining communication and interaction with local resources.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

The role of the community health outreach specialist is one of the
least stressful public health jobs because this role is often entry-level, requiring fewer skills and less training. Many people enjoy having a flexible and satisfying job that focuses on community engagement and advocacy to provide job satisfaction and prevent boredom. For those concerned about job security, this role provides plenty of opportunities for career growth.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $20,500 to $81,000.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $9.86 $20,500
Top-Level $38.94 $81,000
Average $22.22 $46,215


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #13: Infectious Disease Hotline Employee


About the Job:

An infectious disease hotline employee supports public health departments in tracking disease and other health risks, enables communities to reach out for education and support, and promotes disease management and prevention. Infectious disease hotline employees receive comprehensive training and support to ensure they can be a resource to the public and screen for infectious diseases. Infectious disease hotline employees answer questions from the public, guide the next steps, and provide referrals and resources.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

While working for a hotline may yield high call volumes, several aspects make this one of the low-stress public health jobs. These reasons include having set hours and the ability to “leave” the stress of your job at your workplace. With the routine nature of screening individuals and providing education, it is possible to have a rewarding and low-stress career within a few weeks of training.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $36,920 to $67,850.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $17.75 $36,920
Top-Level $32.62 $67,850
Average $23.63 $49,150


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #14: Community Health Organization Program Assistant


About the Job:

The community health organization program assistant supports the daily routine tasks at community health programs to ensure things run smoothly at non-profit, healthcare, and educational organizations. The program assistant for community health organizations understands the routine, assists with programs, and supports program oversight.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

Being a community health organization program assistant is one of the least stressful public health jobs because it is an engaging role that ensures the professional is involved in many aspects to prevent boredom. Community health organization program assistants are not involved in the overall program management or implementation, which may decrease stress. While some may see a lack of autonomy as being a drawback, for others, it means lower pressure due to less responsibility.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $15,441 to $50,409.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $7.42 $15,441
Top-Level $24.24 $50,409
Average $16.70 $34,732


LEAST STRESSFUL PUBLIC HEALTH JOB #15: Public Health Consultant


About the Job:

Public health consultants can guide others on addressing crucial public health issues best. Public health consultants use their analytical skills to guide and advise government agencies, communities, and other organizations. They can work independently or as contractors or employees. Public health consultants enable clients to identify potential concerns, create policies to address them, implement programs, and evaluate the outcomes.

What Makes this Job Less Stressful:

The flexibility of assignments, work setting, and pay range is enough to decrease the stress level of most public health consultants. Being a Public health consultant often requires lower investment and can bring in a decent return on investment. As long as you are educated in public health and want to run your own business, you can build a low-stress business of your choosing.

Earning Potential:

You can earn an annual salary ranging from $68,785 to $102,093.

Level of Experience Hourly Annual
Entry-Level $33.07 $68,785
Top-Level $49.08 $102,093
Average $40.26 $83,738



Are Low-Stress Public Health Jobs Hard to Find?


Public health jobs that are lower in stress are relatively easy to find if you are willing to take the time and effort to look. The availability of low-stress public health jobs depends on where you live, but if you are ready to relocate, you will have plenty of options. It is also crucial to consider the sector of public health that you apply to because government agencies and community-based organizations are often lower in stress. Finally, review career websites to see how employees rate the job regarding work-life balance and job satisfaction.



My Final Thoughts


All public health jobs involve occasional moments of stress because public health involves working in vulnerable positions. However, if you choose a role with job requirements that improve your work-life balance, you will have an ideal job opportunity that decreases the overall pressure of your career.

This article covers the 15 least stressful public health jobs that pay well in 2024. However, it is key to remember that the salary and difficulty of public health jobs range depending on the exact position, location, role, and amount of experience. This article answered, “what are the least stressful public health jobs that pay well?” However, ensure you read the details of each role you apply for and learn as much as possible about the agency or organization you will join.


Caitlin Goodwin DNP, CNM, RN
Caitlin Goodwin is a Certified Nurse-Midwife who has been a nurse for 12 years, primarily in women’s health. She is passionate about caring for children with developmental disabilities, as her son has Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is currently working as a freelance writer and consultant and is passionate about advocating for her patients, students, and profession.