Job satisfaction and issues related to the retention of environmental health professionals in North Carolina.

Issues related to job satisfaction of environmental health professionals in North Carolina health departments were evaluated using an online survey instrument. Respondents (N = 433) indicated that the major issues regarding retention were inadequate or poor salary and limited opportunities for career advancement. Significant differences were found in satisfaction with salary and career advancement among regions, which may indicate the need for different intervention strategies. Salary inequities were identified for women with 6-10 and 11-15 years of experience. When overall satisfaction was correlated with salary, a positive significant association was found (r = 0.095, p = .049). Overall satisfaction was not significantly correlated with age, gender, or years of practice.