The Surprising Advantages of Careers in Government and Public Administration

More than 24 million people work in local, state, and federal agencies across the U.S., making the government one of the nation’s largest single employers. But a rapidly aging workforce—nearly one-third of federal employees will be eligible to retire by 2025—is bound to leave many vacancies across all job sectors.¹

This is good news for graduates with a public administration degree who are equipped with the critical thinking and decision-making skills they acquired in their master’s or doctoral program, and who are seeking employment or advancement in the public sector.

What Advantages Do Government Workers Have?

• Job Stability
  Unlike private-sector positions, which may be among the first eliminated in an economic downturn, government jobs are generally more stable and are predicted to be in a strong growth mode over the coming years.
• Hundreds of Occupations
  In May 2021, more than 2 million civilian workers were employed in hundreds of different occupations at the federal level alone.² Whatever your professional interests or skills, there is likely a federal job that suits your career goals.
• Making a Difference in People’s Lives
  Some professionals actively seek the opportunity to serve their country as a public employee. Whether you seek a degree that can lead to working in public administration at the local or national level, providing vital services to at-risk populations, or helping retired or disabled military service personnel, a public administration degree can help prepare you for your mission. 
• Career Advancement
  There is ample room for advancement in careers in government and public administration. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is beneficial, if not required, for many leadership roles in federal, state, and local governments. With the critical thinking and decision-making skills and knowledge you’ll acquire in your degree program, coupled with the right use of resources and networking, you can position yourself for success. 

Public Administration Careers

An MPA can prepare you with the critical problem-solving skills needed for leadership positions in settings such as:

A PhD in Public Policy and Administration can help prepare you to pursue a wide spectrum of leadership positions in settings such as:

Salaries for Careers in Government and Administration

Employment of public administrators is projected to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030. In 2021, the average median salary for public administrators was $99,290, and the top 10% earned more than $167,450.³

Walden University is an accredited institution that offers a variety of public policy and administration degree and certificate programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.brookings.edu/policy2020/votervital/public-service-and-the-federal-government
²Source: www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_999100.htm#00-0000
³Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.