The Public Health Consulting Landscape: Current Trends, Challenges, and Financial Outlook
Quisha Umemba 
Welcome to the PublicHealthPreneur™ Blog, where we dive into Episode 4 of Season 2 of The PublicHealthPreneur Podcast.
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In my previous blog, we discussed what a public health consultant does and how they help organizations and communities tackle complex health challenges. They may take on various roles, including strategic planning, program development, policy implementation, and offering expert guidance to meet specific public health needs.
In this post, I delve into recent findings from a 2023 survey conducted by Roman et al., providing fresh insights into this evolving profession.
To know more about the public health consulting landscape, tune in to the Episode 4 of The PublicHealthPreneur™ Podcast. Don’t miss out—catch all episodes from Season 2 for more valuable content!
Who Are the Consultants?
According to the survey:
Demographics: Out of 119 respondents, 92% were women. The majority were white (74%), followed by Black (16%), Asian (7%), and Hispanic (6%).
Education: A significant number hold advanced degrees, with 67% having master’s degrees and 28% holding doctorates. Consultants are split between full-time and part-time roles.
Why Choose Consulting?
Consultants often transition from traditional roles for several key reasons:
Project Choice: The ability to select projects that align with personal interests and expertise.
Flexibility: Greater control over work hours and preferences.
Autonomy: Freedom to create a personalized work environment.
Remote Work: The option to work from anywhere, enhancing work-life balance.
Additionally, I highlight a fifth reason that drives many public health consultants:
Income Potential: The opportunity for substantial earnings without worrying about income caps.
How Much Can You Earn as a Public Health Consultant?
Consulting can be a highly lucrative career:
Hourly Rate: The average rate is $120 per hour.
Annual Earnings: Full-time consultants earn approximately $109,000, while part-time consultants make around $40,000 per year.
As a consultant, continuous professional development is ESSENTIAL. Consultants often seek training in:
Budgeting and tax planning
Winning contracts
Personal branding
Marketing and client management
This ongoing learning helps refine skills and adapt to industry changes. If you want to build a profitable public health consulting business, you have to invest in yourself!
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Who Are the Clients?
Public health consultants work with a diverse range of clients, including:
Non-profit organizations to enhance program effectiveness and secure funding
Academic institutions for research and educational support
Other consultants through subcontracting for specialized projects
Government agencies for policy and program development
This variety highlights their versatility and significant impact across different sectors.
Challenges Faced by Consultants
Consulting comes with its own set of challenges:
Setting Up the Business: Selecting the right legal structure and business model.
Transition Period: Managing cash flow and startup costs.
Client Acquisition: Developing marketing strategies and establishing thought leadership.
Psychosocial Issues: Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence.
Remember, even experienced consultants face these hurdles, and it's all part of the growth process.
Why Consultants Return to Traditional Roles
Challenges might lead some consultants to consider traditional jobs for reasons like:
Consistent Income: Stability in earnings.
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
Flexibility: A structured work environment.
Team Environment: The desire for collaborative settings.
It’s okay to feel this way! The public health consulting field is evolving, and the skills you gain can open doors to new opportunities.
Embrace the journey and keep honing your skills. Your dedication and resilience will pave the way for a fulfilling and impactful career. Keep pushing forward—you’re building something incredible!
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for next week’s topic: The Entrepreneurial Process.
Did you find this post helpful? Listen to the full podcast episode here.
👍🏾 Looking for more insights? Check out my best-selling book, Public Health Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Intersection of Purpose and Profit.
🔗 Share the Knowledge: If you found this valuable, share this link with your network and invite others to subscribe!
References:
Roman LA, Worthington K, Runnels L, Ilakkuvan, V. (2023). Describing the Self-Employed Public Health Consultant and Entrepreneur Workforce in the United States - A Survey Snapshot for Consultants.