Public health developer

What does a public health developer do? – Tasks and work environment

A public health developer works on planning, coordinating, and evaluating initiatives aimed at improving the health of the population. Tasks can include analyzing statistics, developing strategies for preventive health work, and managing projects in areas such as physical activity, mental health, and health equity. Collaboration often occurs with schools, health centers, authorities, and non-profit organizations. The work environment is generally office-based, with elements of field visits, meetings, and training sessions. Flexibility and the ability to handle varied tasks are important qualities in the role.

Salary development over time

The salary development for public health developers has been steadily positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month and increased to 44 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 46 500 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 7.6% over the period. This salary trend reflects continued demand for expertise in the field and an increased focus on public health issues in society. Differences in education level, work experience, and sector (municipal, government, or private) also influence salary levels. Despite the clear upward trend, salary development remains aligned with other planners and investigators in the public sector.

Public health developer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (female, government sector, less than 9 years of education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 280 SEK
• Women: 45 300 SEK/month
• Men: 48 800 SEK/month
• Women earn: 93% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a public health developer, a university degree in public health science or related fields is usually required. The education typically involves three to five years of study at college or university, supplemented with courses in statistics, project management, and behavioral science. Practical experience in health promotion or community planning is advantageous, as are skills in evaluation methodology and cross-sector collaboration.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in public health science or similar field
• Additional courses: Statistics, project management, evaluation methodology
• Internship/traineeship: Recommended during studies
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for higher education
• Advice for choosing specialization: Focus on community planning or health promotion for broader job opportunities

Common benefits and compensations

Public health developers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexitime, professional development, and remote work options. Occupational pension schemes and generous vacation policies are standard in the public sector. Employers may also provide subsidized public transport cards or opportunities for educational leave.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a public health developer is moderate, with 758 available jobs in the field of planners and investigators. The recruitment situation is considered balanced according to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. Challenges in the profession can include demonstrating the effects of health initiatives, working on complex projects, and adapting to changing societal needs. Specialist skills and experience can provide a competitive advantage, especially in larger municipalities and regions with high demands for strategic work.

Tips for those aspiring to become a public health developer

To succeed as a public health developer, it is beneficial to be analytical and capable of interpreting both statistics and societal trends, which facilitates planning and evaluation of initiatives. Good communication skills are important for collaborating and engaging with various stakeholders, from schools to authorities. Flexibility and initiative are appreciated since tasks often vary, and new projects are launched regularly. Patience and perseverance are essential, as many health initiatives take time to show results. Engagement with societal issues and a desire to improve people's quality of life provide extra motivation. Building networks during education and internships can also increase employment chances. Finally, staying continuously updated on current public health issues and legislation is recommended to act proactively in the role.

Key facts about public health developers

• Educational level: Bachelor's or master's degree in public health science
• Work environment: Office-based with elements of project management and fieldwork
• Demand: 758 available jobs nationwide
• Employment type: Usually employed within municipalities or regions, but also by state and private actors
• Special skills: Statistics, project management, cross-sector collaboration

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities exist to advance to senior public health developer, project leader, or strategist within larger organizations. It is also common for public health developers to progress into roles such as coordinator, investigator, or manager within the public health sector. The forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that the job market for planners and investigators, including public health developers, is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years with moderate job opportunities. Specialist knowledge and experience in cross-sector work can open doors to more qualified assignments and leadership positions within the public sector or consultancy industry.

Frequently asked questions about public health developers

• What does a public health developer earn?
  - The average salary is 46 500 SEK per month, with variations depending on education, experience, and sector.
• How to become a public health developer?
  - Most commonly, a bachelor's or master's degree in public health science and experience in health promotion work are required.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 93% of what men do within the profession.
• Which employers hire public health developers?
  - Municipalities, regions, government agencies, and sometimes private companies or non-profit organizations.
• What benefits are common?
  - Wellness allowances, flexitime, remote work, and professional development are often offered.
• What are the future prospects?
  - Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with moderate job opportunities.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries may vary slightly between different regions and depending on the employer.