Associate Salary & Benefits

Key points

  • The associate application period is open March 16–March 22, 2026.
  • Associates are CDC employees for the duration of the program, earning a federal salary and benefits.
  • Associates are responsible for relocation travel expenses.

Salary

The Public Health Associate Program for Recent Graduates (PHAP) is a competitive, two-year, paid, competency-based training and service program that provides associates with field experience in public health.

During the first year of the program, associates (regardless of their experience and education) earn a salary and benefits equivalent to a GS-07, step 1, federal employee (including geographic cost of living adjustments). During the second year of the program, associates are eligible to earn a salary equivalent to a GS-09, step 1, based on performance during Year 1.

See the Office of Personnel Management Salary Table for more information.

Benefits of joining PHAP

All associates are eligible to choose from and enroll in full health benefit programs that are partially paid by CDC and available to all federal employees. The many benefits of being a public health associate include:

  • Salary, paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and access to a variety of support services and resources
  • Valuable skill development and on-the-job training
  • Unique field assignments that provide foundational public health experiences and the opportunity to demonstrate competency in public health service delivery
  • Mentoring from a CDC employee who can offer career guidance and networking opportunities
  • Access to public health training and education resources
  • An opportunity to make substantial contributions to public health

Available Benefits

Learn more about the benefits available to federal employees.
USA.gov

Travel Requirements and Expenses

Associates must relocate to their host site, travel from host site locations to Atlanta, Georgia, for three CDC-hosted, in-person PHAP training events, and may be asked to travel for their host site assignment.

Associates are responsible for 1) covering the cost of travel for relocation to their host site location if accepted into the program, and 2) covering the cost of travel for relocation from their host site location after the program ends.

Host sites will cover the cost of local travel related to the host site assignment. PHAP will cover the cost of travel for the three mandatory in-person training events.

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Content Source:
Public Health Infrastructure Center; Division of Workforce Development