Public Administration & Policy Career Salary: What to Expect
Careers and Salaries in Public Administration and Policy
A career in Public Administration and Policy offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful societal change while earning competitive public sector salaries. Professionals in this field work in government jobs, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Whether you’re considering becoming a City Manager, Public Policy Analyst, or Urban Planner, this guide will help you understand public administration salaries and public policy salaries at various levels and locations.
From entry-level public administration salary options to insights into the best-paying jobs in public administration, we cover everything you need to know. If you’re wondering how much public administrators make or how to negotiate a higher salary in public administration, this guide has you covered.
Table of Contents
Salary Stats by State
Public administration salary by state can vary significantly due to cost of living, state budgets, and regional demand. For instance, public administration salaries in large cities like New York City or Los Angeles tend to be higher than in rural areas due to increased funding and the complexity of managing urban services.
| State | Median Annual Salary | Top 10% Salary | Key Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $85,000 | $125,000 | City Manager, Public Affairs Specialist |
| New York | $82,000 | $120,000 | Policy Analyst, Community Development Specialist |
| Texas | $70,000 | $105,000 | Grant Administrator, Urban Planner |
| Florida | $65,000 | $98,000 | Nonprofit Executive Director, Legislative Aide |
| Illinois | $74,000 | $110,000 | Public Health Administrator, Think Tank Analyst |
Public Administration Policy Salary by Industry
Public administration professionals can work in various industries, from government jobs to the private sector, offering distinct salary ranges.
| Industry | Median Salary | Example Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Government | $75,000 | Public Budget Sector Analyst, Policy Analyst |
| Non-Profit Organizations | $60,000 | Nonprofit Executive Director, Grant Administrator |
| Private Sector | $90,000 | Public Policy Consultant, Think Tank Analyst |
| Academia | $65,000 | Environmental Policy Advisor, Researcher |
Government jobs salaries often provide stability, while private sector roles typically offer higher compensation. For example, a public policy analyst salary in the private sector can be significantly higher due to the focus on specialized skills and consulting opportunities.
Salary by Education Level
Education is a significant factor in determining earning potential. Public administration salary with a bachelor’s degree is a good starting point, but advanced degrees like a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a Ph.D. can lead to substantial salary growth.
| Degree Level | Median Salary | Example Career Paths |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree | $43,000 | Entry-level Administrative Roles |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $54,734 | Legislative Aide, Community Development Specialist |
| Master’s Degree | $80,314 | Public Policy Analyst, Urban Planner |
| Doctorate Degree | $81,912 | International Policy Specialist, Think Tank Analyst |
For those interested in mid-career public policy salary advancements, earning a master’s degree provides both opportunities for leadership and a significant salary boost.
Salary by Specialty
Public administration jobs with high salaries often depend on specialization. Here’s a closer look at some of the best-paying jobs in public administration:
| Specialty | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| City/County Manager | $98,000 |
| Public Policy Analyst | $64,745 |
| Urban Planner | $81,800 |
| Public Health Administrator | $78,000 |
| Nonprofit Executive Director | $60,000 |
Roles such as City Manager or Urban Planner offer competitive salaries due to their importance in city operations and infrastructure planning.
What Factors Determine Public Administration & Policy Salaries?
Several factors affect how much public administrators make, including location, education, industry, and experience.
- Location: Public administration salaries in [city name] are higher due to urban service demands.
- Education Level: Public administration salary with a Ph.D. or master’s degree exceeds that of a bachelor’s degree significantly.
- Industry: Government jobs salaries are generally stable, but private sector roles often offer the highest salaries.
- Experience: Mid-career and senior professionals’ entry-level public administration salary averages grow significantly.
| Factor | Impact on Salary |
|---|---|
| Advanced Degrees | +20%-30% |
| Urban Locations | +15% |
| Experience (10+ years) | +40% |
Understanding these factors can help you determine the average salary for public policy jobs and identify ways to negotiate a higher salary in public administration.
Job Outlook & Employment Projections
Public administration and public policy careers are expected to grow steadily over the next decade.
- Projected Growth Rate: 7%, consistent with national occupation averages.
- In-Demand Roles: Urban Planner, Public Health Administrator, Public Budget Sector Analyst.
- Key Drivers: Increased focus on environmental policy, urban planning, and public health.
Public administration jobs in the United States are also expected to grow, particularly in cities experiencing population and infrastructure expansion.
| Contributor Photo | Contributor Bio |
|---|---|
 | Carrie HirschCarrie Hirsch holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and a master’s in public administration. With experience in municipal government and nonprofit management, she has led community planning initiatives and policy development projects to improve public services and foster equitable growth. When she’s not diving into policy work, Carrie enjoys gardening, playing tennis with friends, and spending time with her golden retriever, Max. She also loves family movie nights with her two teenage sons and husband. As a contributor to PublicAdministrationPolicy.org, Carrie blends her professional expertise with her passion for helping others explore meaningful educational and career pathways. |
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Careers in Public Administration and Policy.” https://www.bls.gov
- CareerExplorer. “Degrees and Careers in Public Administration.” https://www.careerexplorer.com
- Indeed. “High-Paying Public Administration Jobs.” https://www.indeed.com
- NASPAA. “Careers in Public Service: Public Administration Degrees.” https://www.naspaa.org
- O*NET Online. “Occupations in Public Administration and Policy.” https://www.onetonline.org
Acknowledgments
- Career insights and data are drawn from reliable government and educational resources.
- Special thanks to Carrie Hirsch, whose professional expertise and passion for helping others explore educational and career pathways greatly informed this guide.