How do I become an entry-level policy analyst?

You become an entry-level policy analyst by first gaining a relevant bachelor's degree. While entry-level positions in public policy analysis require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, many jobs in government agencies or consulting firms require a master's degree.

How do I get experience as a policy analyst?

You can gain experience as a policy analyst by enrolling in degree programs such as political science or public policy. From there, they can pursue internships and entry-level roles in public administration that will give them some background knowledge of public policy that will help them move into policy analyst roles.

How much money does a policy analyst make?

A policy analyst makes $65,000 in a year, on average. However, this can range from $50,000 to over $125,000 in a year. The salary for policy analysts can vary significantly due to education, experience, specific job duties, and organizational structure. For example, an entry-level policy analyst whose role primarily involves assisting more senior employees will likely only make around $55,000 a year.

What education do you need to be a policy analyst?

The education you need to become a policy analyst is a bachelor's degree, minimum. While positions in public policy analysis require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, many jobs in government agencies or consulting firms require a master's degree.

What skills do policy analysts need?

Policy analysts need highly developed analytical and research skills. Other skills required for this role include critical thinking and creativity, communication, and collaboration. The most critical skill a policy analyst needs is research skills. Every policy recommendation begins with in-depth research. Much of this research takes place regularly and includes staying abreast of relevant current events, public opinions, and political developments.

What is a policy analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Tracy Harbin

A policy analyst analyzes and evaluates policies and proposed policy changes. They use research skills to identify problems and potential solutions, and provide recommendations to decision-makers in government agencies or non-profits. Policy analysts also monitor policy implementation and effectiveness and make adjustments when necessary. They work with stakeholders including elected officials, community members, and interest groups to understand how policies impact different populations. Policy analysts use communication skills and problem-solving to clearly present complex information.

What general advice would you give to a Policy Analyst?

Tracy Harbin

Professor of Political Science, Seminole State College

They need to understand the importance of public service, not as a politician running for office but as an analyst who is willing to work in the public sector, to support the functions of our government, at all levels. While people may not have said, "I want to be a civil servant when I grow up," our government agencies at all levels need talented, thoughtful, and intelligent people are serving in the public sector.

ScorePolicy AnalystUS Average

Salary

5.2

Avg. Salary $66,359

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.8

Growth Rate 11%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 12.09%

Black or African American 8.39%

Hispanic or Latino 9.12%

Unknown 4.53%

White 65.71%

Gender

female 53.92%

male 46.08%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

2.2

Work Life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Policy Analyst?

Pros

Chance to work with top-level decision makers
High potential for career growth and advancement
Opportunities for travel and international work
Competitive salary and benefits packages
Flexible work hours and potential for remote work

Cons

Work can be highly demanding and fast-paced
Long hours and tight deadlines may be common
Job can be highly competitive, with many qualified applicants vying for limited positions
Work can be highly specialized, limiting opportunities for career flexibility outside of the field
Limited opportunities for creative expression or personal autonomy in work assignments

Key steps to become a policy analyst

Explore policy analyst education requirements

Most common policy analyst degrees

Bachelor's

64.6 %

Master's

22.9 %

Doctorate

6.1 %

Start to develop specific policy analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
Public Policy	6.60%
Policy Analysis	5.85%
Policy Issues	5.59%
Public Health	5.49%
Health Policy	4.53%

Complete relevant policy analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New policy analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a policy analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real policy analyst resumes.

Research policy analyst duties and responsibilities

Develop comprehensive consumer education material around the changes to behavioral health services in Medicaid manage care.
Manage all issues relate to high quality survey administration including training and approval/certification, performance oversight and data collection.
Process data using STATA statistical software to get it ready for regressions.
Develop research and programmatic reports create in SAS to be used for analysis.

Prepare your policy analyst resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your policy analyst resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a policy analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Policy Analyst Resume templates

Build a professional Policy Analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Policy Analyst resume.

Apply for policy analyst jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a policy analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do policy analysts rate their job?

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Policy Analyst reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020

Cons

Fundamental Economics

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2019