Policy Analyst: Job Description and Salary
Since World War II, the U.S. Congress has typically put between four and six million words of new laws into effect in each two-year congressional session. Those laws are based on the foundation of research done by policy analysts, who are integral to the creation of public programs and formal policies. Their research allows lawmakers and other key stakeholders to enact policies with a thorough understanding of their potential effects.
The profession is growing, but it is competitive. Preparing for a career as a policy analyst and standing out from other candidates starts with developing a foundation of policy understanding and evaluation with an advanced degree, such as a Master of Public Administration.
What Is a Policy Analyst?
A policy analyst develops ideas for policies and policy changes, continues to evaluate these policies to optimize them for changing social circumstances, and suggests policy improvements. Policy analysts often work with government agencies, but they may also work for lobbying groups, private businesses, nonprofits, consulting firms, and special interest groups.
Many policy analysts specialize in a specific type of policy, such as labor, energy, or health services. These professionals conduct research on current regulations and have the comprehensive legal knowledge to understand the impact of their policies. They then present their findings to key stakeholders who have the power to enact those policies, such as government leaders. Policy analysts have a great deal of influence on many of the policies of public programs in place today.
Policy Analyst Job Description
Roles and responsibilities for a policy analyst may include:
- Evaluating existing policies using expert knowledge in their area of specialty
- Documenting the research process
- Assessing current goals and objectives to ensure that policies align
- Using legal knowledge to verify that policies meet requirements
- Consulting and communicating with key internal and external stakeholders
- Drafting, editing, and preparing policies and policy changes
- Presenting findings to key stakeholders
Policy Analyst Salary and Job Outlook
Working as a policy analyst can be lucrative, with pathways for advancement that can result in higher salaries.
Policy Analyst Salary
The median salary for policy analysts was approximately $64,950 as of September 2024, according to Payscale. In addition to base salary, policy analysts may also receive compensation in the form of bonuses and profit sharing. Salaries can vary based on factors such as education level, years of experience, geographic location, and industry.
Experienced policy analysts can advance to positions with higher salaries, such as senior policy analyst, a role that earned a median salary of approximately $84,700 as of June 2024, according to Payscale. Directors of public policy earned a median salary of about $96,850 as of July 2024, according to Payscale data.
Career Outlook for Policy Analysts
Policy analysts are considered a type of political scientist, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports is a growing field. Positions for political scientists are expected to grow by 3% between 2023 and 2033, with about 500 openings projected per year.
Becoming a Policy Analyst
Although there’s no single path to a career as a policy analyst, the right education, experience, and skills can help interested individuals succeed.
Education Requirements
Employers generally require a bachelor’s degree in a field such as public administration, public policy, political science, or legal studies. However, many policy analysts pursue further education, such as a Master of Public Administration. As the field becomes increasingly competitive, more and more employers are hiring candidates with master’s degrees or higher.
Professional Experience
Many aspiring policy analysts, especially those who plan to work in government roles, need to accumulate professional experience. Experience can include volunteering for a political organization or interning at a lawmaker’s office.
Beyond education, policy analysts can also pursue additional certifications to stand out as candidates. The Chartered Policy Analyst certification from the American Academy of Financial Management, the Certified Government Financial Manager credential from the Association of Government Accountants, and the Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute can all show potential employers a high level of expertise and commitment.
Necessary Skills
Policy analysts rely on a number of core skills, including:
- Research: Policy analysts are expected to conduct in-depth research to analyze the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of current and proposed policy frameworks.
- Problem-solving: Policy analysts must identify areas for improvement and solve problems in current policies.
- Communication: Communication and presentation skills are crucial for policy analysts, as they must be able to convey their views to the key stakeholders who enact policies.
- Collaboration: To understand all aspects of a current or potential policy, policy analysts must work with others to research a policy and find areas for improvement.
- Critical and strategic thinking: Policy analysts must be solutions-oriented and able to use their research to understand the impact of a policy before it is enacted.
- Project coordination: As policies involve many parts, policy analysts must be able to coordinate multiple projects at once.
- Documentation: Policy analysts must be able to show their research and convey all aspects of their policy or policy amendments both in written communication and spoken presentations.
Learning Your Way to a Policy Analyst Career
The number of openings for policy analysts is expected to grow over the next several years, but so too is the pool of candidates. This is why employers are looking for candidates with a high level of professional experience and in-depth policy knowledge. Pursuing further education can help you differentiate yourself and show that you are prepared to excel.
In Claremont Lincoln University’s online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, you’ll learn what you’ll need to thrive as a policy analyst — from stakeholder communication and collaboration skills to the political knowledge that enables you to do in-depth research. You’ll also learn leadership skills you need to develop and manage your own team of policy analysts, helping you climb the ladder to senior positions.
Learn more about becoming a policy analyst and hone your skills with a Master of Public Administration.
Sources
Betterteam, Policy Analyst Job Description
GovTrack.us, Statistics and Historical Comparison
Indeed, How to Become a Policy Analyst in 5 Steps (Plus Job Duties)
Payscale, Average Director, Public Policy Salary
Payscale, Average Policy Analyst Salary
Payscale, Average Senior Policy Analyst Salary
Teal, Policy Analyst Certifications
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Political Scientists
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