As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Policy Analyst II in the United States is $104,440 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Public Policy Analyst II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Public Policy Analyst II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Public Policy Analyst II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Government Liaison I | 2-4 years | $89,293 |
| Public Policy Analyst II | 4-7 years | $104,435 |
| Government Liaison III | 7+ years | $148,542 |
| Government Liaison IV | 7-10 years | $178,242 |
| Government Relations Manager | 10+ years | $150,552 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Public Policy Analyst IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 16.02% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.48% |
| Research Analysis | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Research Analysis
|
$121,150 |
16%
|
|
Insight
|
$115,928 |
11%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$114,884 |
10%
|
|
Government Relations
|
$114,884 |
10%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$112,795 |
8%
|
|
Leadership
|
$110,706 |
6%
|
Public Policy Analyst II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $116,915. While startup companies pay approximate $98,907.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $98,907 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $104,606 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,902 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $116,915 |
For Public Policy Analyst II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Public Policy Analyst positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Policy Analyst II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $125,328 | $60.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $120,106 | $58.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $116,973 | $56.0 | 12% |
| Financial Services | $114,884 | $55.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $114,884 | $55.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Public Policy Analyst IIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Public Policy Analyst II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $93,916 and $101,311).
Public Policy Analyst II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 5.8% |
| Associates | 6.3% |
| Bachelors | 39.8% |
| Masters | 37.3% |
| Doctorate | 9.6% |
Understanding how a Public Policy Analyst II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Public Policy Analyst II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Government Liaison III | $148,600 | 42% |
| Lobbyist | $190,100 | 82% |
Salaries for a Public Policy Analyst II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,592 in 2023 to around $90,640 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Public Policy Analyst II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $93,592 |
| 2024 | $92,439 |
| 2025 | $90,640 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Public Policy Analyst II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Public Policy Analysts in the US typically earn between $88,200 and $114,540 annually. The average salary is approximately $99,840, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the earning potential in this field.
Public Policy Analysts earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $88,200, a mid-range of $99,840, and a maximum of $114,540. This positions them among the higher-paying analyst roles, particularly in sectors like finance, energy, and mining, where salaries can exceed $100,000.
A Public Policy Analyst in the US typically earns between $88,200 and $114,540 annually, with a median salary of around $99,840. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, providing a competitive salary for those in public policy roles.
A Master's in Public Policy (MPP) typically leads to a salary range of $88,200 to $114,540 in the US, with a median salary around $99,840. Job titles for MPP graduates include Policy Analyst and Director of Government Affairs, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the field.
Entry-level Public Policy Analysts can expect to earn between $88,200 and $99,840 annually, with the potential to reach up to $114,540 as they gain experience. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $42.37 to $48.00, depending on their specific role and location.
Public policy analysts, also known as researchers or scholars, focus on raising awareness of social issues like crime prevention, healthcare access, and environmental protection. They analyze data and propose solutions aimed at influencing government action. Salaries for public policy analysts range from $88,200 to $114,540, with a median salary of $99,840.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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