Public Policy Analysis
Public Administration & Social Service
Median earnings by degree level
| Degree | Median earnings | Typical range | Schools | Clear the bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | $66,177 | $60,776 to $74,865 | 41 | 98% |
| Master's Degree | $84,618 | $75,234 to $96,919 | 59 | 100% |
"Clear the bar" is the share of programs whose graduates out-earn a typical high-school graduate (the federal earnings-premium test). Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile of program medians.
Job outlook
Projected employment growth +3% (2023 to 2033), about 107,800 openings a year across the occupations this field commonly leads to.
| Occupation | Median pay | Growth | Openings/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $110,680 | +23.2% | 62,100 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,650 | +17.3% | 27,400 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $73,240 | +2.1% | 5,600 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $56,400 | +4.4% | 5,200 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $95,890 | -1.7% | 3,200 |
| Legislators | $47,290 | +3.4% | 2,200 |
Occupation pay and outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS wages, Employment Projections). A field maps to several occupations, so this lists where the major commonly leads, not any one graduate's job.
Earnings source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10), median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Report an error.