In-Demand MPA Jobs You Should Know About in 2024
LEARN MORE GET STARTED
There are fast-growing jobs you can pursue with a master's in public administration (MPA), such as policy analyst, city manager, or urban planner. These roles are vital in public finance and governance, fostering a deep understanding of how public policies impact society.
An MPA is useful for professionals aiming for leadership positions in public, nonprofit, or private sectors. Think of it as a toolkit for acquiring specialized knowledge, enabling you to perform your job more efficiently. Therefore, this in-depth expertise is invaluable to many employers and agencies.
However, choosing the right specialization and breaking into competitive roles can be challenging for aspiring professionals.
For this reason, we've created a comprehensive guide to help you chart your path and identify fulfilling job options after graduating with an MPA degree. This exhaustive analysis, based on current market trends, reveals top-earning opportunities for MPA graduates.
In this study, we’ve collected data from different job market compensation sources, including , , , and the . So, you can be well informed to determine if a Master of Public Administration degree aligns with your values and aspirations.
What will you find in this blog?
- MPA Careers: Core Skills You Need to Succeed
- Master’s in Public Administration Jobs
- City Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Health Services Manager
- Policy Analyst
- City Planner
- Is an MPA Degree Worth it?
MPA Careers: Core Skills You Need to Succeed
Success in MPA jobs depends on a combination of factors.
First, you’ll need analytical thinking for policy and economic analysis.
Second, a strategic understanding of public and nonprofit management.
And finally, in-depth knowledge of legal frameworks.
In addition, advanced competencies in administrative ethics, regional planning and public participation are essential.
Typically, MPA programs are designed to enable theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for effective leadership and innovation in public service.
Master’s in Public Administration Jobs
Now that you know the fundamental skills you would need to succeed, are you curious about master's in public administration jobs?
Here's a list of high-demand roles in 2024:
City Manager
Average Salary: $108,030The city manager role stands as the highest-paid job in public administration, encompassing the comprehensive management of a city's day-to-day operations.
Acting like chief executives, city managers are responsible for controlling staff, resources and various departments. Their duties include policy implementation, budget development, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the city's efficient functioning and growth.
You'll need leadership, communication, budgeting and policy-making skills to become a city manager. Previous experience in government and an MPA degree are often beneficial for securing a position in this field.
Although this job demands long hours and pressure, it offers high salaries, numerous benefits and the chance to impact communities directly. You should also consider that responsibilities and salaries may change depending on the city's size and structure (see the table below).
Source:
Human Resources Manager
Average Salary: $103,919
Human Resources (HR) Managers supervise a company's workforce-related operations. They manage recruitment, training, performance evaluations and benefits administration.
HR managers also ensure compliance with labor laws, mediate conflicts, and work on strategies to improve employee satisfaction and productivity, acting as a bridge between the company's management and its employees.
It's important to note that an MPA isn't always mandatory for success in HR management. However, it can qualify you with practical knowledge, aptitudes and credentials that enhance your marketability.
Compared to other careers, MPA graduates grasp the bigger picture because they develop the proper understanding of policy analysis and organizational management.
Additionally, an MPA incorporates human-centric leadership practices into this role, which is important because HR managers are steering away from traditional management approaches towards more inclusive and people-focused strategies. In fact, this shift is reflective of a .
Health Services Manager
Average Salary: $102,437
As a health services manager, you would be responsible for supervising healthcare organizations, leading teams, managing finances and planning strategically.
Working in various settings, including hospitals, clinics and public health organizations, you would be managing staff, budget and compliance with healthcare laws.
An MPA degree prepares you for the complexities of managing public and private healthcare organizations, making you a competitive candidate for management positions in the health sector.
However, it’s important to point out that an MPA alone doesn't guarantee a job as a health services manager. Relevant experience, strong leadership skills and a specific understanding of healthcare management practices are also crucial factors for landing a job in the field.
Specialization in healthcare administration or a related field within your MPA program can significantly enhance your competitiveness.
An MPA combined with relevant experience and targeted skills development strengthens your application for this competitive job.
Policy Analyst
Average Salary: $90,481
Working in various sectors, including government, think tanks and nonprofits, this public administration job is crucial in shaping public policy through evidence-based analysis, influencing decision-making processes, and ensuring policies meet societal needs and objectives.
Many policy analysts hold degrees in political science, public policy, economics, or related fields. However, standout professionals often pursue a master's in public policy (MPP) to enhance their career prospects.
An MPA degree is also a better option in some cases because it pushes you even further with its broader focus on leadership and management.
While both MPA and MPP programs cover policy issues, the MPA places a stronger emphasis on implementing and organizing public programs. This includes managing resources, leading teams and ensuring that organizations meet their goals effectively.
City Planner
Average Salary: $70,047
As a city planner, you’ll be responsible for designing future development for communities, managing land use, developing infrastructure and working on projects to enhance living conditions.
involves detailed planning and coordination to ensure sustainable growth, considering factors like environmental impact, transportation, and public facilities.
However, the work of a city planner goes beyond the desk: their work requires balancing community needs, economic factors and environmental concerns. For this reason, city planners engage in public discussions, analyze data and formulate policies to guide urban development.
Pursuing an MPA can be highly advantageous for landing a job in city planning. A master's in public administration covers crucial aspects such as land-use regulations, capital facilities and transportation planning, alongside management and policy issues facing local agencies.
Such an academic background prepares you with a full understanding of the complexities of urban development, enabling effective leadership in planning and implementing projects that address the multifaceted needs of urban and regional environments.
Is an MPA Degree Worth it?
Based on this study, you might conclude that Master of Public Administration jobs can lead to financially rewarding careers. However, it's important to evaluate several factors beyond just the listed median salaries to determine if this career is worth it for you.
First, you should consider the variance in income, the cost and return on investment of the education, non-monetary benefits like job satisfaction, and the impact of specialization on earning potential.
Also, while an MPA offers pathways to rewarding careers in public service and the private sector, individual circumstances, financial goals and career aspirations play a crucial role in determining its value for you.
For personalized guidance and to learn more about how an MPA program can align with your career goals, don't hesitate to get in touch with UTEP Connect’s enrollment counselors. They're here to assist you every step of the way.
