As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Policy Maker in the United States is $70,428 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Policy Maker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Policy Maker'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.
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 Policy Makers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Policy Maker roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Business Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Policy Maker positions in Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Policy Maker as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $84,513 | $41.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Policy Makers enter the field with a Associate'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 Policy Maker with a Associate's Degree is between $67,701 and $73,294).
Policy Maker Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 16.7% |
| High School | 16.7% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 16.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Policy Maker'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Policy Maker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,608 in 2023 to around $70,587 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Policy Maker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $70,608 |
| 2024 | $70,813 |
| 2025 | $70,587 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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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