Health Policy Careers + Salary Basics

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The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for a Health Policy around the country.

What We Do

Nurses with specialization in healthcare policy generally have the choice to assume a wide range of different managerial roles as part of their position within a healthcare organization or an insurance company. These professionals can take part in work that includes anything from analyzing laws on healthcare, to considering regulations or policies at a local, state, or federal levels. Some medical health policy professionals act as advocates for patients, or healthcare organizations.

Work Environment

Most health policy nurses will work within a medical environment such as a hospital, doctor’s office or clinic, while a large majority will also work alongside insurance companies and other individuals responsible for managing policies. These individuals typically work behind the scenes in most circumstances, and don’t have much one on one contact with patients.

How to Become a Health Policy Professional

The first step towards earning a job as a health policy expert is to earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing. This will give you the education and guidance that you need to start working as a registered nurse, so long as you are able to successfully pass the national council licensure examination for registered nurses. The next step in your career will involve earning a master of science degree in nursing, or an MSN. This degree should generally include classes into health policy, as well as a health policy residency that allows you to explore a number of advocacy organizations, community groups, applicable organizations and government offices.

Training & Certification Requirements

According to most experts, if you would like to enter a health policy nursing career, you will need to earn at least a number of years of experience working as a licensed registered nurse. Most companies will consider an MSN degree with a concentration in health policy to be the minimum credential in education for those willing to enter this specialty, but you may find that you also benefit from achieving your doctorate degree, if you are willing to undergo the extra training.

Health Policy Related Job Titles

According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Health Policy.

Health Policy Earning Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for registered nurses including registered nurses who work with health policy was approximately $68,910 per year. For health policy managers, this income can increase to up to an average of $94,500 per year.

Health Policy Job Outlook

According to the BLS, employment for registered nurses and health policy managers is expected to grow at around 17% between the years of 2014 and 2024. This is much faster than the average for most occupations.

According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Health Policy was $51,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide are 12% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Health Policy Salary by State

The following lists Health Policy salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $64,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $31,000.

Alaska – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 48th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Safeway, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Banner Health, and Providence Health & Services.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $37,000 .
Alabama – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 11th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, DCH Health System, CVS Health, and Maverick Transportation.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $52,000 .
Arkansas – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 12th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Correct Care Solutions.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $52,000 .
Arizona – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 43rd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Banner Health, R.E. Garrison, Safeway, and Starbucks.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $42,000 .
California – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 7th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Starbucks, R.E. Garrison, Safeway, and Kaiser Permanente.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $55,000 .
Colorado – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 33rd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Safeway, Starbucks, and LITTLETON ADVENTIST HOSPITAL.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $45,000 .
Connecticut – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 4th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CVS Health, PSA Healthcare, Saint Francis Care, and Starbucks.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $59,000 .
DC – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 1st
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Safeway, Starbucks, CVS Health, and General Dynamics – Information Technology.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $64,000 .
Delaware – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 34th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Nemours, Interim HealthCare, and Bayhealth Medical Center.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $45,000 .
Florida – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 27th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Consulate Health Care, Starboard Group Management Company, Fresenius Medical Care, and R.E. Garrison.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $47,000 .
Georgia – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 5th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, R.E. Garrison, CVS Health, and Starbucks.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $58,000 .
Hawaii – $31,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 51st
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Starbucks, Safeway, CVS Health, and Kaiser Permanente.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $31,000 .
Iowa – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 16th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UnityPoint Health, Catholic Health Initiatives, Maverick Transportation, and TherapyTravelers.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $50,000 .
Idaho – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 50th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Albertsons, Consulate Health Care, and Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center – Boise.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $33,000 .
Illinois – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 6th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Starbucks, Presence Health, and CVS Health.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $58,000 .
Indiana – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 20th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Indiana University Health, R.E. Garrison, CVS Health, and Bloomington Hospital.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $49,000 .
Kansas – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 28th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Shawnee Mission Medical Center- Adventist Health System, The University of Kansas Hospital, and SONIC® Drive-In.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $47,000 .
Kentucky – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 40th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Catholic Health Initiatives, KentuckyOne Health, and University of Kentucky.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $44,000 .
Louisiana – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 31st
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, CVS Health, Christus Health, and SONIC® Drive-In.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $46,000 .
Massachusetts – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 3rd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, CVS Health, Cape Cod Healthcare, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $61,000 .
Maryland – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 13th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Safeway, CVS Health, and Johns Hopkins University.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $52,000 .
Maine – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 35th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southern Maine Health Care, MaineGeneral Health, Martin’s Point Health Care, and Genesis Healthcare.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $45,000 .
Michigan – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 14th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, CSL Behring, CVS Health, and Subway.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $52,000 .
Minnesota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 36th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Holiday Stationstores, Inc., Medtronic, HealthEast, and CVS Health.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $45,000 .
Missouri – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 17th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Mercy, SSM Health, and SONIC® Drive-In.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $50,000 .
Mississippi – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 9th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, TherapyTravelers, CVS Health, and SONIC® Drive-In.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $53,000 .
Montana – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 42nd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Town Pump, Inc., State of Montana, Albertsons, and Safeway.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $43,000 .
North Carolina – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 21st
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Carolinas HealthCare System, Novant Health, and Duke University and Duke University Health System.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $49,000 .
North Dakota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 37th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, Anne Carlsen Center, Catholic Health Initiatives, and Altru Health System.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $45,000 .
Nebraska – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 49th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Catholic Health Initiatives, Tabitha, and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $37,000 .
New Hampshire – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 18th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Genesis Healthcare, Elliot Hospital, CVS Health, and Charter Foods, Inc..
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $50,000 .
New Jersey – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 8th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CVS Health, Barnabas Health, Rutgers University, and Starbucks.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $55,000 .
New Mexico – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 41st
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Lovelace Health System, and Indian Health Service.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $44,000 .
Nevada – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 46th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Starbucks, Renown Regional Medical Center, and CVS Health.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $39,000 .
New York – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 2nd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Starbucks, CVS Health, Northwell Health, and NYU Langone Medical Center.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $62,000 .
Ohio – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 22nd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mercy Health, R.E. Garrison, Maverick Transportation, and CVS Health.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $49,000 .
Oklahoma – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 29th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, A Member of Ascension Health, St. John Medical Center, and SONIC® Drive-In.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $47,000 .
Oregon – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 23rd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Safeway, R.E. Garrison, Starbucks, and Kaiser Permanente.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $49,000 .
Pennsylvania – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 24th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, PSA Healthcare, St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network, and UPMC.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $49,000 .
Rhode Island – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 32nd
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CVS Health, Lifespan, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and Seven Hills Foundation.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $46,000 .
South Carolina – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 19th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, CVS Health, Palmetto Richland, Columbia, SC, and Starbucks.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $50,000 .
South Dakota – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 47th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Regional Health, Sanford Health, WR Hospitality, and Indian Health Service.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $38,000 .
Tennessee – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 30th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Saint Thomas Health, CVS Health, and Erlanger Health Systems.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $47,000 .
Texas – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 25th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Starbucks, CVS Health, and Memorial Hermann.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $49,000 .
Utah – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 45th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, University of Utah Health Care, University of Utah, and Starbucks.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $40,000 .
Virginia – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 15th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Starbucks, CVS Health, and BurgerBusters Inc.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $51,000 .
Vermont – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 38th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Genesis Healthcare, Washington County Mental Health Services Inc., State of Vermont, and Brattleboro Retreat.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $45,000 .
Washington – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 10th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Safeway, Starbucks, R.E. Garrison, and State of Washington.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $53,000 .
Wisconsin – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 39th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, Aurora HealthCare, Starbucks, and Mercy Health System WI.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $45,000 .
West Virginia – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 26th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like R.E. Garrison, WVU Healthcare, Par Mar Oil Company, and Genesis Healthcare.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $48,000 .
Wyoming – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources))	Rank: 44th
Average Health Policy salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Health Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Campbell County Memorial Hospital, Banner Health, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, and Kelle’s Transport.
In USD as of September 1, 2016 60k 120k 180k Health Policy $42,000 .

Learn More

• http://www.bestnursingmasters.com/faq/how-do-you-become-a-healthcare-policy-advocate/
• http://educationcareerarticles.com/education-articles/higher-education-articles/how-do-i-become-a-health-policy-nurse/
• http://nursing.columbia.edu/research/center-health-policy