24 careers for MPA graduates
Interested in making a difference in your community? Consider a Master of Public Administration (MPA). An MPA can lead to a rewarding and well-paying career.
Take the next step toward a meaningful career in public service with CMU’s Master of Public Administration program.
What is a Master of Public Administration degree?
A master's degree in public administration is a professional program for individuals interested in working for public or nonprofit organizations. You'll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and put government policies into action. Coursework for an MPA degree typically includes topics like public policy, management, ethics, human resources, leadership and economics.
Job outlook for MPA graduates
The job outlook for MPA graduates is promising. As the need for skilled professionals to manage public programs and services grows, so does the job market for MPA graduates. Public policy and social service roles are expected to grow 4%-23% by 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where can you work with a degree in public administration?
A master's in public administration opens a wide range of career paths. MPA graduates can find employment in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and private corporations. If you value community development, there's probably an MPA career that matches your interests.
How much do master's in public administration graduates make?
MPA graduates earn an average of $81,000 per year. Keep in mind this can vary by career path and field. Management roles, like an executive directors, earn an average salary of $100,000. Analyst positions average around $63,000 per year (Payscale, 2025).
24 careers for MPA graduates
1. City manager
Average salary: $115,406
A city manager oversees the day-today functions of a city. They make sure everything runs smoothly, from parks and libraries to police departments and city budgets.
Strong leadership, strategic planning, and excellent communication skills are vital for success in this role.
2. Grant writer
Average salary: $63,943
A grant writer helps non-profit, government or educational organizations secure funding by writing proposals. A grant writer might help a local museum apply for funds for a new wing. They could also assist a high school in requesting money for a new cafeteria.
This role requires strong writing skills and an attention to detail.
3. Urban or regional planner
Median salary: $85,940
An urban or regional planner gathers information and creates plans for the best use of land. An urban planner might analyze data to see if there are enough parks for everyone in a city. They could also work on projects like determining if wind turbines would disturb the production of local farms. Urban and regional planners' goal is to improve the local economy, environment and social well-being of communities.
This role requires a good understanding of urban development, strong communication skills and an ability to balance competing interests.
4. Policy analyst
Median salary: $103,000
A policy analyst looks into it and suggest new ideas to help solve the problem. Their job is to research and analyze data to provide insights to government officials. For example, they might study a community problem like affordable housing.
Critical thinking and an ability to communicate complex information are necessary skills for the role.
5. Community development manager
Median salary: $91,000
A community development helps improve neighborhoods through projects and outreach. They might work to fix up a local park by getting input from local residents and fundraise with local businesses.
This job requires skills in managing projects, an understanding of people and care for the community.
6. Nonprofit executive director
Average salary: $92,941
A nonprofit executive director leads an organization. They manage operations, oversee finances and handle fundraising. For example, they may focus on reaching out to donors and raising funds to expand the organization's services.
This position requires strong leadership abilities, strategic thinking and a dedication to making a positive difference in society.
7. Government affairs director
Median salary: $184,000
A government affairs director builds relationships between organizations and legislators. They might work with lawmakers to create a bill that boosts funding for public health. The government affairs director would then highlight how the bill addresses health inequalities in their community.
This role requires excellent communication skills and an interest in the legislative process.
8. Compliance officer
Median salary: $122,000
A compliance officer makes sure that companies follow the laws and rules that apply to their industries. They may monitor employees to ensure they follow safe work practices or that the organization properly disposes of waste.
Paying close attention to details, solving problems, and understanding industry regulations are important for doing well in this job.
9. Public relations specialist
Median pay: $69,780
A public relations specialist manages an organization's image through media and communications. They write press releases, collaborate with local news and TV stations, and manage social media presence for their organization.
This job demands excellent writing skills, creativity and the ability to build connections.
10. Program evaluator
Average salary: $64,715
A program evaluator assesses the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices. For example, they might analyze an after-school reading program to see if it helps improve students' reading scores.
This role requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
11. Fundraising manager
Mean salary: $133,620
A fundraising manager plans events and runs campaigns to help organizations raise money. For example, they might organize a charity marathon to raise money and awareness for a cause.
People in this role need to be good at communication and networking. They also need to inspire and motivate others to support the organization's mission.
12. Emergency services director
Median salary: $160,000
An emergency services director is responsible for preparing for and responding to natural disasters and. They organize drills, educate the public about safety measures, and respond quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
If you're a great leader, can handle pressure, and are a good communicator, this job could be right for you.
13. Public finance manager
Average salary: $78,569
A public finance manager oversees and manages funds for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. A public finance manager may review a plan to build a new public park to determine the long-term impact on the city's finances.
This job requires excellent financial management skills and attention to detail.
14. Health services manager
Median salary: $117,960
A health services manager runs healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. For instance, they might supervise the scheduling and staffing of a hospital's emergency department.
This role requires strong leadership skills, passion for healthcare and an understanding of healthcare systems.
15. Legislative analyst
Median salary: $106,000
A legislative analyst studies proposed laws and evaluates their potential impact. They may also advise organizations on how to best adjust or implement new policies. Legislative analysts might research a bill aimed at lowering housing costs in a city and it's potential effects. A legislative analyst would then provide that information to government officials and recommend a course of action.
This job calls for strong critical thinking skills, political awareness and knowledge of the legislative process.
16. Program manager
Median salary: $180,000
A program manager oversees the planning and execution of projects. For example, they might oversee a new health initiative to reduce childhood obesity. The program manager ensures the project stays within budget, meets deadlines, and achieves its objectives.
Strong project management skills, leadership qualities and strategic thinking are crucial for succeeding in this position.
17. Human resources manager
Median salary: $154,740
A human resources manager is in charge of hiring, training, and supervising employees in a company. They might be responsible for recruiting new staff for a city department. A human resource manager ensures fair treatment of all applicants and selects the most qualified person for the job.
This job requires good people skills, knowledge of employment laws and an understanding of how organizations work.
18. Communications director
Average salary: $101,344
A communications director promotes an organization's mission and goals to the public. They write press releases, manage social media, create memos, and oversee the company website.
This role requires strong leadership skills, creativity and an ability to manage multiple projects.
19. Education administrator
Mean salary: $100,720
An education administrator manages the daily operations of educational institutions, like schools or universities. They hire and train teachers, schedule classes, and communicate with parents and the community.
This position needs strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
20. Nonprofit program coordinator
Average salary: $54,198
A program coordinator plans, manages and asses nonprofit projects or initiatives. For instance, they might create a food distribution program in a community facing food insecurity. They would organize the collection, packing, and distribution of food items and help oversee volunteers.
This position requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work well with others.
21. Transportation Planner
Average salary: $80,986
Transportation planners design systems and policies for urban areas. They might help map out new bus routes or create a plan for a new subway line.
The field of transportation planning requires attention to detail and an interest in spaces and their impact on people.
22. Budget Analyst
Median salary: $87,930
Budget analysts prepare and examine financial records for government agencies, universities and businesses. They analyze revenues and projected spendings to ensure an organization is planning for future projects.
Attention to detail is a must for this role. Budget analysts typically also have a background in finance or accounting.
23. City Clerk
Average salary $56,151
A city clerk helps manage and maintain public records. This may include licensing, permits and public information requests. City managers play a vital role in ensuring transparency for city operations. On a daily basis, they prepare for public meetings, oversee local elections, and handle paperwork for the public.
City clerks are skilled in organization and collaboration. Since they often work directly with the public, customer service and communication skills are necessary.
24. Labor Relations Specialist
Mean salary: $94,620
A labor relations specialists serve both workers and organizations. They may resolve disputes between workers and mangers or handle bargaining agreements like union negotiations.
The skills needed to be successful in labor relations include strong communication, negotiation and conflict resolution. They also need a deep understanding of labor laws and regulations.
Central Michigan University's Master of Public Administration
An MPA degree offers a gateway to fulfilling careers in public service. If you're interested in the field, consider pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
The MPA program at CMU covers public administration, policy, budgeting, financial management, and personnel management. The program teaches students about public and nonprofit sectors, so they can make a difference in public service jobs.
For more information about the MPA program at Central Michigan University, visit the program webpage.