As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Policy Analyst III in District of Columbia is $164,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Public Policy Analyst III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Public Policy Analyst III'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Public Policy Analyst III'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 | $98,865 |
| Government Relations Specialist II | 4-7 years | $115,630 |
| Public Policy Analyst III | 7+ years | $164,466 |
| Government Liaison IV | 7-10 years | $197,350 |
| Government Relations Manager | 10+ years | $166,691 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Public Policy Analyst III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $184,137. While startup companies pay approximate $155,776.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $155,776 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $164,751 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $177,817 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $184,137 |
For Public Policy Analyst III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Public Policy Analyst positions in Telecom or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Policy Analyst III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $230,286 | $111.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $213,837 | $103.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $205,612 | $99.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $197,388 | $95.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $189,163 | $91.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Public Policy Analyst III'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 III, 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 IV | $197,400 | 20% |
| Lobbyist | $210,500 | 28% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Public Policy Analyst III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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