Health Communications Specialist

Career Guide
A Health Communications Specialist creates clear, accurate, and audience-focused messages about health topics. The role supports public health goals by translating complex information into content that people can understand and act on across digital, print, and community channels.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan communication campaigns that support health programs and behavior change goals
  • Write and edit health content for websites, email, social media, and print materials
  • Translate scientific and medical information into plain language
  • Partner with subject matter experts to confirm accuracy and align on key messages
  • Develop audience research and message testing to improve reach and understanding
  • Coordinate communication timelines, approvals, and content calendars
  • Support media relations by drafting press materials and preparing spokespeople
  • Track campaign performance and report insights for improvement
  • Ensure content meets accessibility, readability, and inclusive language standards
  • Support communication during health events and emergencies with timely updates

Top Skills for Success

Plain Language Writing
Health Literacy
Audience Research
Message Development
Content Strategy
Editing
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Social Media Strategy
Email Marketing
Data Analysis
Accessibility Standards

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Manager
Public Information Officer
Health Education Specialist
Content Strategist
Transition Opportunities
Public Health Program Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
Communications Director
Public Affairs Manager
Patient Education Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Portfolio of health writing samplesPerformance MeasurementSearch Engine OptimizationCrisis CommunicationContent Management SystemsMedia Training
Development SuggestionsBuild a small portfolio with a fact sheet, a web page rewrite in plain language, and a short campaign concept. Learn basic measurement using web analytics and email reporting. Practice crisis updates using a clear template and approval workflow. Get hands-on with a common content management system and document your process.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$55,000 to $70,000
Mid Level$70,000 to $95,000
Senior Level$95,000 to $130,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by public health initiatives, healthcare marketing needs, digital content growth, and preparedness for health emergencies. Hiring is strongest for candidates who can show measurable communication impact.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNational Institutes of HealthState Health DepartmentsCounty and City Health DepartmentsKaiser PermanenteUnitedHealth GroupCVS HealthPfizerJohnson and JohnsonAmerican Cancer Society
Industry Sectors
Government Public HealthHospitals and Health SystemsHealth InsurancePharmaceuticalsNonprofit Health OrganizationsHealth TechnologyUniversities and Research CentersConsulting Agencies

Recommended Next Steps

1
Create a portfolio with 6 to 10 samples across web, social, email, and print
2
Take a short course in health literacy and plain language writing
3
Learn basic web analytics reporting and set up a simple results dashboard
4
Draft a campaign plan that includes audience, goal, key message, channel, and metric
5
Volunteer with a local public health organization to support a real communication need
6
Update your resume to highlight outcomes such as reach, engagement, sign-ups, or attendance
7
Prepare 5 to 7 interview stories focused on translating complex information for non-experts