Masters In Public Administration

Earning a master’s in public administration can be expensive, but after receiving your degree, you can make more money in this field and qualify for better jobs. Let’s take a look at the salary you can expect with a master’s degree in public administration, along with you various options for making more money in this field.

Salary by Job Title

Your master of public administration (MPH) degree allows you to take on a variety of jobs in the field based on your specialization and career goals. Your title ultimately helps determine how much money you’ll earn in this industry; here are just a few of the most popular options, along with average salary rates:

• Federal Government Industrial Specialists: $82,169
• Federal Government Administrative Officers: $78,562
• Office and Administrative Support Staff: $45,790
• Health Service Managers: $84,980
• Human Resources Directors: $65,200
• Public Works Directors: $66,560
• Nonprofit Administrator: $66,700

Keep in mind that you can take on a variety of other jobs as well, and although public administration best prepares you for government work, there are lots of jobs available i the private sector and nonprofit (or volunteer) sector as well.

Factors Affecting Salary

Your job title of course plays the biggest role in the salary you’re offered after earning a degree in public administration, but other factors also play a role. For example, you’ll typically earn more money where workers in this field are in high demand, such as in Washington D.C. and in state capitals. You’ll also earn more money working for the federal government than working for other government departments or private/nonprofit companies, though federal government jobs are also more competitive. Your experience also plays a role – as you continue to work in the public administration field (and especially if you work for a single company, department, or organization), you’ll earn more money.

Non-Monetary Compensation

Keep in mind that the salary you receive while working in public administration is just a part of your compensation. Benefits packages for workers in this career field include things such as retirement plans, paid vacation days, health and dental coverage, and more. If you work for the government, you’ll likely also get pay raises on an incremental schedule, as well as annual bonuses based on performance, so you’ll make even more money.