Is Health Administration a Good Major? Career Outlook, Salary, and How to Get Started

Introduction

Choosing a college major is a pivotal decision, shaping your future career and financial prospects. If you are exploring the field of health administration, you may wonder whether it is a good major. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of health administration as a field of study, including its advantages, career opportunities, earning potential, and step-by-step guidance on how to access opportunities in this dynamic industry.

What Is Health Administration?

Health administration focuses on the management, leadership, and operation of healthcare facilities and systems. Professionals with this background are responsible for ensuring that hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and related organizations run efficiently. Common job titles include hospital administrator, clinic director, health services manager, and nursing home administrator. The field blends knowledge of healthcare systems with skills in business, finance, human resources, and policy.

Is Health Administration a Good Major? Key Benefits

Pursuing a major in health administration offers several distinct advantages:

High Demand and Job Growth : The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 29% growth in employment for medical and health services managers from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. This translates to about 61,400 job openings annually, driven by the need for skilled administrators as the healthcare sector expands and the population ages [4] .
Strong Earning Potential : The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $117,960 in May 2024, with variations depending on the role, location, and level of experience [4] . Some roles, such as hospital administrators and directors, can command even higher salaries [3] .
Transferable Skills : The curriculum typically covers business management, finance, policy, ethics, and organizational leadership, equipping graduates with versatile skills applicable across sectors [2] .
Opportunities for Advancement : With experience, professionals can move into higher-paying roles and executive positions, such as hospital CEO or director of managed care [1] .

Career Paths in Health Administration

A degree in health administration opens doors to a broad range of roles. Here are some common positions and their typical salary ranges:

Job Title	Average Annual Salary	Typical Degree
Health Care Administrator	$70,434	Bachelor’s or Associate
Hospital Administrator	$111,151	Bachelor’s
Director of Managed Care	$133,674	Bachelor’s or Master’s
Clinical Manager	$84,687	Bachelor’s or Associate
Nursing Home Administrator	$117,718	Bachelor’s
Hospital Director	$117,797	Bachelor’s or Master’s

These figures are based on recent data and may vary by location and experience level [2] , [5] .

Salary and Advancement Potential

Salaries in health administration reflect both the responsibility of the roles and the growing need for skilled managers in healthcare. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers in 2024 was $117,960 [4] . Factors influencing salary include:

Experience: Entry-level positions may start around $66,000, with significant increases as you gain experience. Those with over 20 years of experience can earn close to $100,000 or more annually [3] .
Industry: Administrators working in hospitals or government agencies tend to earn higher salaries than those in outpatient centers or nursing care facilities [1] .
Location: States like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts offer higher-than-average wages for health administrators [3] .
Education: While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most entry-level roles, a master’s degree (such as an MHA) can unlock higher-level positions and greater earning potential [1] .

Job specialization, such as focusing on informatics, finance, or operations, can also improve career prospects and salary potential.

How to Start a Career in Health Administration

If you are considering this major, here are actionable steps to begin your journey:

Research Accredited Programs : Seek out colleges and universities with accredited health administration or health services management programs. Accreditation ensures a recognized standard of education and may be required for certain certifications.
Meet Educational Requirements : Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration or a related field. Some roles, particularly in leadership, may require a master’s degree.
Gain Practical Experience : Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities provide real-world experience and help build a professional network. Many programs include internships as part of the curriculum.
Consider Certification : While not always mandatory, professional certifications-such as those offered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)-can enhance your qualifications. To explore certification options, visit the official ACHE website or search for “ACHE healthcare management certification.”
Develop Transferable Skills : Communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership are essential skills in health administration. Engage in extracurricular activities or workshops to strengthen these abilities.
Stay Current : The healthcare industry evolves rapidly. Subscribe to reputable healthcare management journals, attend industry conferences, and consider continuing education to stay updated.

Examples and Case Studies

Case Study 1: An undergraduate student completes a bachelor’s in health administration and secures an internship at a local hospital. After graduation, they are hired as an assistant department manager, earning $70,000 per year. Over five years, with continued education and performance, they are promoted to department head with a salary exceeding $100,000.

Case Study 2: A licensed nurse returns to school for a master’s in health administration (MHA). With prior clinical experience and new administrative training, they qualify for a hospital administrator position, earning more than $110,000 annually and overseeing multiple departments.

Challenges and Alternative Approaches

While health administration offers many opportunities, potential challenges include high responsibility, long hours, and the need to balance the interests of patients, staff, and regulatory agencies. Some professionals may face stress managing budgets, compliance, or large teams. To prepare, consider shadowing experienced administrators or seeking mentorship.

Alternatively, those interested in the business side of healthcare who prefer not to work in hospital settings might explore roles in health insurance, pharmaceuticals, or consulting. Related degrees in public health, business administration, or healthcare informatics can also lead to rewarding careers in this sector.

How to Access Health Administration Opportunities

To find degree programs, start by searching for accredited health administration programs on your preferred college search platforms or directly on the websites of universities recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). For job openings, major employment sites such as Indeed and Glassdoor regularly post positions for healthcare administrators. You can also check hospital and healthcare facility career pages.

If you are interested in financial aid, search for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the official U.S. Department of Education website. For scholarships, consult your school’s financial aid office or search for “health administration scholarships” through reputable scholarship databases.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Health administration is a strong choice for those seeking a high-demand, well-compensated career in healthcare without direct clinical responsibilities. With robust job growth, attractive salaries, and a wide variety of roles, it is a major that can lead to long-term career fulfillment and advancement opportunities. Careful research, networking, and ongoing professional development will maximize your success in this field.