As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Policy Analyst IV in the United States is $178,290 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.
However, a Public Policy Analyst IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Public Policy Analyst IV'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 IV'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 Relations Specialist II | 4-7 years | $104,435 |
| Government Liaison III | 7+ years | $148,542 |
| Public Policy Analyst IV | 7-10 years | $178,242 |
| Government Relations Manager | 10+ years | $150,552 |
| Government Relations Senior Manager | 10+ years | $195,452 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Public Policy Analyst IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $199,585. While startup companies pay approximate $168,845.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $168,845 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $178,573 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $192,735 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $199,585 |
For Public Policy Analyst IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 51% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Retail & Wholesale and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Public Policy Analyst positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Policy Analyst IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $222,862 | $107.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $213,948 | $103.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $205,033 | $99.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $199,685 | $96.0 | 12% |
| Media | $196,119 | $94.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Public Policy Analyst IV'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, 2026For a Public Policy Analyst IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Government Relations Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $150,600 - a projected growth of -16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Public Policy Analyst IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $141,129 in 2023 to around $128,817 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Public Policy Analyst IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $141,129 |
| 2024 | $135,043 |
| 2025 | $128,817 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Public Policy Analyst IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Policy analysts typically require at least a master's degree, often in fields like economics, public policy, or public administration. While a law degree is not mandatory, it can be beneficial. Salaries for public policy analysts range from $167,090 to $216,490, with a median salary of $191,290, reflecting the expertise and education level in this field.
A bachelor's degree in project management, business, or a related field is typically required to work as a manager in a PMO. The salary for a Public Policy Analyst ranges from $167,090 to $216,490, with a median salary of $191,290. Skills can be developed through various educational backgrounds or degree programs.
Public Policy Analysts in the US can expect to earn between $167,090 and $216,490 annually, with a median salary of approximately $191,290. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clearer picture of potential earnings in this field.
A public policy degree is indeed worth it, as it leads to respected career opportunities that can drive meaningful societal change. With salaries ranging from $167,090 to $216,490, graduates can expect a rewarding financial return on their investment in education, making it a valuable choice for those passionate about making a difference.
The Public Policy Analyst is a highly compensated role, with salaries ranging from $167,090 to $216,490 annually. The median salary for this position is approximately $191,290. This role is critical in shaping and analyzing policies, making it one of the top-paying positions in the public sector.
As a remote policy analyst, you examine existing policies and assist with the creation of new legislation and programs, all while working from home. The salary for this role typically ranges from $167,090 to $216,490, with a midpoint of $191,290, reflecting the expertise and impact of policy analysts in shaping effective governance.
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