General
Public Administration
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Public Administration.
Entry Level Salary
$49,000
Median Salary
$85,747
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
35.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,429,880
Entry (Early)
$49,000
Median (Prime)
$85,747
High (Prime)
$90,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-14k
+292k
+326k
$25k / yr
-104k
+202k
+236k
$50k / yr
-194k
+112k
+146k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
26
26
$25k / yr
Never
32
31
$50k / yr
Never
40
38
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-96%
186%
217%
$50k / yr
-89%
51%
67%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate47%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Management occupations
6.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$67,197
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$105,666|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Top executives
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$110,524
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$170,037|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Police officers
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,727
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$115,382|$76,250
openings
51,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.5%
Elementary and middle school teachers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$48,660
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,879|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Management analysts
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$87,447
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$87,447|$101,860
openings
94,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.1%
Education and childcare administrators
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$49,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$79,316|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%
Social and community service managers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$57,645
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$78,946|$80,390
openings
18,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.2%
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,616
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$121,455|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%
Human resources workers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,136
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,000|$76,700
openings
78,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Accountants and auditors
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$35,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$78,000|$83,680
openings
115,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| public administration and social service professions, other. | Undergrad Certificate | 7 | $36,712 - $65,760 |
| public administration and social service professions, other. | Associate's Degree | 8 | $43,421 - $43,421 |
| public administration and social service professions, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 18 | $41,240 - $109,851 |
| public administration and social service professions, other. | Master's Degree | 21 | $37,523 - $140,115 |
| public administration and social service professions, other. | Doctoral Degree | 6 | $58,530 - $58,530 |
| public administration. | Undergrad Certificate | 8 | $60,537 - $72,965 |
| public administration. | Associate's Degree | 12 | Data N/A |
| public administration. | Bachelor's Degree | 121 | $47,320 - $97,702 |
| public administration. | Post-bacc Certificate | 10 | $72,105 - $114,293 |
| public administration. | Master's Degree | 349 | $43,632 - $177,149 |
| public administration. | Doctoral Degree | 39 | $100,861 - $100,861 |
| public administration. | First Professional Degree | 1 | $78,355 - $78,355 |
| public administration. | Graduate Certificate | 37 | $70,885 - $97,043 |