A Masters in Public Policy degree can take you far in your career. The salary and benefits, as well as career projections, for a career like this are sometimes hard to pin down because the U.S. is the only country that standardizes data regarding occupational statistics. However, the field of Public Policy is growing rapidly and as more professionals are sought, the average salaries offered to graduates will continue to increase. Having a masters degree in public policy, in and of itself, automatically increases your pay scale. When you choose an MPP degree, you can find benefits like:
- A chance to make a difference in the world and serve others. With public policy, there is always going to be an element of helping out, either locally, nationally, or internationally. When you want to influence change and make a difference, you can count on this career.
- Diverse career options. You can find careers all over the place with a degree in public policy. This includes public sector, private sector, and non-profit positions where the pay and benefits will give you more than just a rewarding career that you enjoy.
The average salary for those holding an MPP degree varies significantly, depending on the exact positions that are sought and the sector in which you choose to work. Generally speaking, MPP graduates can expect to earn about $60,000-$70,000 on average in their career.
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Specifically, here are some averages for various positions that are open to MPP degree holders:
- Non-profit directors: $60,000
- Human Resources: $88,000
- Government positions: $53,000-$75,000, depending on level
- City Manager: $106,000
- Municipal positions: $72,000
- Political Scientist: $101,000
- Analysts: $56,000
- Lobbyists: $96,000
There are many different areas of public policy where you can put your skills to work, and the area that you choose will impact your income potential significantly. Make sure that you take the time to research your options and the career that you want so that you know what to expect specifically for the salary that you will be earning.
Career Projections are Bright
Most public policy careers are growing rapidly, creating plenty of future opportunities for MPP graduates. When you are checking out the salary outlook for your career, you should also check out what the job opportunities will be like in the next 10 years. That way, you can trust that you’ll not only have a good salary, but that you’ll be able to find the jobs that you want when you have completed your education.
Careers for MPP degree holders seem to be on a steady rise for the foreseeable future, giving students and graduates a chance to be a part of the growing field. With an average increase over the next decade of 18-23%, the various careers in public policy have plenty of opportunities for students who have recently graduated or who will be graduating with an MPP degree in the near future. Non-profits are by far the most rapidly growing and best paying positions for many public policy graduates, but there are plenty of opportunities in public and private sector organizations, as well.
Choosing Your Field
It’s important to research the exact career that you want to have when you pursue an MPP degree. Of course, some people prefer to research first and then choose a field based on the information that they find. No matter how you choose to go about things, it’s going to be up to you to make sure that you find a rewarding career in public policy that gives you the salary and job security that you deserve. Popular fields include:
- -Non-profit executives or directors
- -Political scientists, lobbyists, and analysts
- -Municipal officials and directors
- -Politicians
- -Federal government workers
- -Research and marketing
- -Human resources and services
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