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The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for Public Policy around the country.
What We Do
The average day in the life of a public policy worker may involve a great deal of office work but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the job is all about analyzing and gathering data. These individuals do spend a lot of time using information to make positive changes to the area that they specialize in, such as the public health field, but they also work a lot with different groups to focus on improving the overall well-being of a community with regards to issues on education, prevention, and healthy changes in lifestyle. Policy analysts also look at existing policies and come up with comprehensive ways to develop new ideas or improve on existing ones.
Work Environment
The position of a public policy analyst is usually based within the government itself, as this gives these professionals the best possible option for causing an impact on their environment on a larger scale. However, it is also possible for these individuals to find employment in health organizations and non-profit groups as both require policy analysts from time to time.
How to Become a Public Policy
Entering the field of public policy can be somewhat complicated. In some cases, holding a bachelor’s degree in fields like social policy, law, or public health and economics might qualify you for a position in the field. On the other hand, if you want to earn a higher salary and enjoy better benefits in your work, then you may choose to obtain a master’s degree in either public health, public policy, or even social policy. Alongside your degree, you might find that your employer will require you to have experience and knowledge with working in state health policy and federal areas. Interestingly, the presence of the Affordable Health Care Act is currently having a large impact on the public health field, meaning that job-based preferences are often given to those who have knowledge related to this area and insurance coverage in general.
Training & Certification Requirements
Many public policy analysts or health educators will need to have a bachelor’s degree, but most will also need to obtain a certified health education specialist credential if they want to work within a public health setting. The requirements in place for health workers within the community can vary, but most will be expected to complete some training on the job and seek out the relevant certification programs for their specialist areas in policy.
Public Policy Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Public Policy.
| Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Program Eligibility Specialist | $38,000 |
| Adc Dcc Correctional Sergeant | $36,000 |
| CPS Investigation Worker | $39,000 |
| Residential Driver | $35,000 |
| Customer Service Customer Service | $64,000 |
| CPS Conservatorship Worker | $39,000 |
| Teacher Secondary | $24,000 |
| Teacher Elementary | $24,000 |
| Management Customer Service | $64,000 |
| Sales Sales Representative | $64,000 |
Public Policy Earning Potential
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median wage for community and public policy workers was around $43,840 in May 2015.
Public Policy Job Outlook
According to the BLS, employment for public policy workers is expected to grow by around 13% from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the average for most other occupations.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Public Policy was $52,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide are 10% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Public Policy Salary by State
The following lists Public 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 $65,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $32,000.
| Alaska – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Key Bank, The Home Depot, Workplace Alaska, and Juneau School District. |
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| Alabama – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like LBA Properties, LBA Hospitality, Krystal, and Cracker Barrel. |
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| Arkansas – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Home Depot, Walmart, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, and Aramark. |
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| Arizona – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Banner Health, University of Arizona, Washington Elementary School District #6, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. |
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| California – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Goodwill Southern California, U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group, UCLA Health, and Contra Costa Community College District. |
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| Colorado – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Denver Public Schools, Front Range Community College, Medtronic, and Jeffco Public Schools. |
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| Connecticut – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Medtronic, Danbury Public Schools, MedExpress, and Hearth Management. |
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| DC – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Harris Teeter, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Safeway. |
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| Delaware – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Northeast – Allied Universal Security, Citi, University of Delaware, and Delaware State University. |
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| Florida – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like HMSHost, Aramark, Sunshine Restaurant Partners, and IHOP | Sunshine Restaurant Partners. |
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| Georgia – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Krystal, Southeast – Allied Universal Security, Aramark, and Clipper Petroleum. |
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| Hawaii – $32,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like County of Hawaii, Hawaii Department of Education, Hawaii Nursing Solutions, and Wahiawa General Hospital. |
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| Iowa – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee, Inc., Iowa State University, and UnityPoint Health. |
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| Idaho – $34,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, Ada County, Regal Entertainment Group, and 701 – Fred Meyer Stores, Inc.. |
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| Illinois – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Rockford Public Schools, Illinois School District U-46, Hy-Vee, Inc., and University of Chicago. |
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| Indiana – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Public 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, Bloomington Hospital, Midwest – Allied Universal Security, and Beacon Health System. |
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| Kansas – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Hy-Vee, Inc., The Home Depot, Unlisted Company, and Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. |
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| Kentucky – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Home Depot, Aramark, Edible Arrangements, and Cracker Barrel. |
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| Louisiana – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Matrix Medical Network, Utilities Inc., Louisiana State University, and Aramark. |
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| Massachusetts – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Cooley Dickinson Hospital (CDH), Medtronic, Boston Public Schools, and Boston Public Schools Office of Human Capital. |
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| Maryland – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like George Washington University, Supervalu, Johns Hopkins University, and Dimensions Healthcare System. |
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| Maine – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Maine, Greater Portland Health, Mercy Hospital, and The Aroostook Medical Center. |
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| Michigan – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MidMichigan Health, Almost Home Animal Rescue League, Aramark, and Covenant HealthCare. |
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| Minnesota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Allina Health, State of Minnesota, Saint Paul Public Schools, and United States Postal Service. |
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| Missouri – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Mercy, United States Postal Service, and Great Southern Bank. |
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| Mississippi – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like APAC – Mississippi, The Home Depot, Aramark, and Mississippi State Personnel Board. |
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| Montana – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Montana, Innovative Rehabilitation, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and The Home Depot. |
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| North Carolina – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, State of North Carolina, Southeast – Allied Universal Security, and New Hanover Regional Medical Center. |
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| North Dakota – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, North Dakota State Government, ONEOK, Inc., and Transportation Security Administration. |
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| Nebraska – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Home Depot, State of Nebraska, Olsson Associates, and Catholic Health Initiatives. |
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| New Hampshire – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like City of Concord, NH, Elliot Hospital, The Common Man | Great American Dining, and Great American Dining. |
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| New Jersey – $56,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Monmouth University, Aramark, Rite Aid, and Boston Market. |
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| New Mexico – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Presbyterian Healthcare Services, The Home Depot, JAE Restaurant Group, and University of New Mexico. |
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| Nevada – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lake Tahoe, MGM Resorts International, Washoe County School District, and Carson City School District. |
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| New York – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Aramark, Institute for Community Living, Zoom Tan, and NYC Health + Hospitals. |
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| Ohio – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Aramark, Burger King | Miller Management, Burger King, and Midwest – Allied Universal Security. |
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| Oklahoma – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Home Depot, Traditions Spirits, Oklahoma City Public Schools, and Oklahoma State University. |
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| Oregon – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Safeway, 701 – Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., Portland State University, and Matrix Medical Network. |
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| Pennsylvania – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Matrix Medical Network, Geisinger Health System, UPMC, and Rite Aid. |
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| Rhode Island – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, Roger Williams University, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and Providence Public Schools. |
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| South Carolina – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of South Carolina, Aramark, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and Harris Teeter. |
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| South Dakota – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Public 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, Midstates Printing, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, and Indian Health Service. |
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| Tennessee – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Krystal, LBA Hospitality, LBA Properties, and Cracker Barrel. |
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| Texas – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dept of Aging & Disability Svc, The Home Depot, West – Allied Universal Security, and On The Border Mexican Grill and Cantina. |
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| Utah – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Salt Lake Community College, Lee’s Marketplace, 702 – Fred Meyer Jewelers, and Ashley Regional Medical Center. |
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| Virginia – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Supervalu, Old Dominion University, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Richmond Public Schools. |
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| Vermont – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like City Market, Onion River Cooperative, City Market, Porter Medical Center, and State of Vermont. |
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| Washington – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United States Postal Service, Unlisted Company, 701 – Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., and Olympic College. |
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| Wisconsin – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Wisconsin System, Aurora HealthCare, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Hy-Vee, Inc.. |
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| West Virginia – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like CAMC Health System, Cracker Barrel, Intrawest, and HMSHost. |
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| Wyoming – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
| Average Public Policy salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Public Policy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United States Postal Service, Western Wyoming Community College, State of Wyoming, and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. |
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