MPA Salary Guide
Explore the lucrative career opportunities and salaries for Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduates.
MPA Salary Guide Heading link
Whether aspiring to lead a nonprofit organization, influence public policy, or oversee urban development, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) equips professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to make a significant impact. MPA graduates gain the skills necessary to prepare them for leadership roles in both the public and nonprofit sectors.
An MPA degree lays the groundwork for a career that is fulfilling and financially rewarding. Graduates acquire expertise in public management, policy analysis, budgeting, financial management, and organizational leadership. This expertise opens doors to diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Learn more about the competitive salaries MPA graduates can look forward to in this comprehensive guide.
Job Outlook for MPA Graduates: Insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the latest data collected from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with an MPA degree can expect a positive job outlook with a much higher job growth rate than other occupations between 2022 and 2032. The industry standard is 2.8% for job growth rates. While the BLS doesn’t specifically compile information on MPA-related occupations, the outlook for jobs requiring MPA skills is promising. Here are some examples:
Financial Managers: This occupation earns an average of $156,100 per year with an expected ten-year job growth rate of 16%.
Management Analysts: This occupation earns an average of $99,410 per year with an expected ten-year job growth rate of 10%.
Community Service Managers: This occupation earns an average of $77,030 per year with an expected ten-year growth rate of 9%.
MPA Job Titles and Salaries
Payscale reports an average annual wage around $75,000 for professionals with an MPA degree. However, professionals with an MPA can pursue careers with a diverse salary range. A Data and Policy Analyst, who is responsible for examining the efficacy of existing policies and laying the groundwork for new programs and legislation, can earn an annual salary of $65,000 in the United States. On the other hand, a Director of Strategic Initiatives, who is responsible for analyzing a company’s business practices and goals, can command a higher annual salary of $201,000.
The range in salary between these two titles can be attributed to several factors, including industry type, geographical location of the job, demand for the position, and the educational qualifications required for optimal performance. Both roles, Data and Policy Analyst and Director of Strategic Initiatives, benefit from the comprehensive skill set provided by an MPA program.
According to Glassdoor, professionals with an MPA degree can pursue various high-paying positions in the United States, which include:
Positions and Salaries Heading link
| Position | Salary | Industry |
| Data and Policy Analyst | $65k–$96k per year | Government, Nonprofits, Education, Finance, Corporations |
| Healthcare Administrator | $75k–$136k per year | Healthcare, Finance |
| City Manager | $84k–$142k per year | Government |
| Project Manager | $87k–$153k per year | Government, Nonprofits, Finance, Consulting |
| Budget Analyst | $89k–$142k per year | Government, Healthcare, Finance |
| Urban and Regional Planner | $109k–$195k per year | Government, Nonprofits |
| Policy Manager | $116k–$193k per year | Government, Politics, Education, Nonprofits, Consulting |
| Compliance Officer | $119k–$222k per year | Government, Healthcare, Finance |
| Executive Director | $151k–$276k per year | Government, Nonprofits, Finance, Consulting, Corporations |
| Director of Strategic Initiatives | $201k–$324k per year | Government, Nonprofits, Finance, Consulting |
| Chief Executive Officer | $310k–$579k per year | Government, Nonprofits, Finance, Consulting, Corporations |
Advancing Your Career Heading link
Advancing Your Career with UIC’s Online MPA Program
Choosing the right educational pathway can significantly impact your career trajectory. The University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) online MPA program can help you achieve your ambitions and make a significant impact in the field of public administration.
This 100% online program offers flexibility and accessibility that allows working professionals the ability to balance their professional responsibilities while advancing their education. Additionally, the faculty at UIC is comprised of seasoned professionals and scholars who bring a wealth of real-world experience and academic expertise. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 16 months.
Skills that Increase your Earning Potential in Public Administration
UIC’s online MPA curriculum covers a range of skills associated with higher median salaries. These skills include:
- Public management: Graduates learn how to manage strategic planning, decision-making, and leadership within government and nonprofit organizations, as well as oversee operations and resources efficiently.
- Policy Analysis: Graduates learn how to analyze complex challenges and create effective public policies.
- Financial Management: Graduates learn budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
- Organizational Leadership: Graduates develop important leadership qualities to guide and inspire teams within public and nonprofit organizations.
With these advanced skills, graduates of UIC’s online MPA program are well-prepared to pursue high-demand roles that offer rewarding salaries. Talk to an enrollment specialist to learn how you can enhance your career prospects and contribute meaningfully to society.