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Entry Level Policy Analyst Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Programmer Analyst

Boston, MA · Remote

$30 - $35/hr

... policies, and procedures related to software development, security, and compliance. · Performs ... Experience Level Entry Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of ...

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Entry Level Policy Analyst information

See Boston, MA salary details

$58.1K

$109.7K

$127.1K

How much do entry level policy analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level policy analyst in Boston, MA is $109,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,200.00 and $126,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level policy analysts when transitioning from academic studies to a professional policy environment?

Entry level policy analysts often find the transition from academia to the workplace challenging due to the fast-paced nature of policy work and the need to produce concise, actionable briefings for decision-makers. Unlike academic research, which can be in-depth and theoretical, professional policy analysis requires synthesizing information quickly, meeting tight deadlines, and clearly communicating complex ideas to non-expert audiences. Collaborating with more experienced colleagues and adapting to shifting priorities within a policy team are also common aspects new analysts must learn to navigate. Support from mentors and proactive engagement in team discussions can ease this transition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level policy analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Policy Analyst, you need strong research, analytical, and written communication skills, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools like Excel, policy analysis software, and experience with legislative tracking systems are common technical requirements. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to clearly present complex information make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure well-informed policy recommendations, effective communication with stakeholders, and contribute to successful policy development and evaluation.

What does an entry level policy analyst do?

As an entry-level policy analyst, you study and analyze how laws and regulations can affect public policy. A significant amount of these jobs involve working with the federal government. Your responsibilities include analyzing information surrounding laws and regulations, evaluating how they affect the public, and creating written presentations about your findings. Your duties may also include either writing or assessing a proposal for new laws and regulations.

What is an entry level policy analyst?

Entry level policy analysts are professionals who assist in researching, evaluating, and developing policies for organizations, government agencies, or think tanks. They collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and help assess the effectiveness of current or proposed policies. Typically, these roles are suited for recent graduates and those with limited professional experience, offering opportunities to build expertise in policy research and analysis. Entry level policy analysts work under the supervision of senior analysts and may contribute to policy recommendations and briefings.

What is the difference between Entry Level Policy Analyst vs Policy Associate?

AspectEntry Level Policy AnalystPolicy Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related fieldBachelor's degree, often with some experience or internship in policy work
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOs, consulting firmsNonprofits, government offices, research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in public sector and policy researchUsed across similar sectors, often interchangeable with policy analyst roles
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for entry-level policy research rolesIndividuals exploring similar entry-level policy positions

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve policy research, analysis, and reporting. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; 'Policy Associate' may sometimes imply a slightly broader or different organizational context, but both are entry-level roles focused on policy analysis and research.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Analyst jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Policy Analyst jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs in Boston, MA?

For Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Entry Level Policy Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Policy Analyst job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, 14% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,666 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Research Analyst-Department of research and planning

Massachusetts Trial Court

Boston, MA • On-site

$137K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Research Analyst-Department of research and planning

Apply now Job no: 501398
Work type: Full-time
Location: Boston
Categories: Administrative

Official Title: Research Analyst

Pay Grade: Grade 22S

Salary Range: 22S Entry Level Pay $92,999.66 to Pay Range Maximum $137,066.54

Starting Pay: $92,999.66/yr.

Salary Notes: This position is designated as a Union position. All new hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement/MOA with OPEIU, Local 6. Pay may advance within the salary band according to the CBA/MOU.

Departmental Mission Statement: The mission of the Department of Research and Planning is to support research in the Trial Court; to assist court staff in using empirical research to improve court operations; and to promote the use of research to inform and further improve the justice system.

Organizational Profile:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/trial-court-department-of-research-and-planning

Notes:

  • This position is fully on site Monday-Friday.

Position Summary: Conducts high-level quantitative and qualitative analysis to assist in Trial Court planning and decision-making. Designs, creates, and manages data systems to support dashboards, tables, charts, figures, and reports to display information in a simple usable manner. Analyzes data to draw conclusions and make recommendations of operation. Provides support to end users of research products.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Department Head.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Conducts analysis of case processing and other topics as assigned.
Extracts reports and explains coherent narratives from vast amounts of data concerning bail decisions, default rates, civil party representation, etc.
Creates Tableau dashboards for Trial Court leadership and the public.
Creates reports, charts, tables and graphics for Trial Court leadership and the public.
Conducts research projects as directed by the Director of Research and Planning, including projects at the request of Trial Court leadership, required by statute, or requested by an external stakeholder.
Maintains and updates monthly, quarterly, and annual dashboards for various Trial Court departments and offices.
Provides administrative support to the Massachusetts Sentencing Commission.
Assists with and/or conducts research projects as assigned by the Director of Research and Planning.
Performs other duties as required.

Job Competencies: Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.
Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
Applied Knowledge: Ability to communicate and present data and research findings such as graphs, tables, and technical briefs.
Problem Solving: Ability to successfully address research issues, draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the research and policy analysis results.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, and promotes teamwork, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements: Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; Graduate degree preferred
Three (3) years of related work experience
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of:
Trial Court business and practices.
Advisory Sentencing Guidelines.
MassCourts and DataMart.
Department operations and subject matter.
Research methodology.
Various applicable software programs, including Tableau, Excel, and other business intelligence software.
Database management and Extract Transfer and Load (ETL) tools.
Dashboard design.
Courtyard web posting.
Skill in:
Data research and analysis.
Survey evaluation.
Verbal and written communication.
Organization and prioritization.
Ability to:
Respond to requests.
Conduct literature reviews.
Utilize database warehouses.
Create, maintain, and edit documents.
Correspond and collaborate with various stakeholders.
Maintain productive working relationships with others.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position serves as a lead worker to others, including third-party contractors.

Working Conditions: Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments.

Physical Demands: This position requires sedentary work:
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Advertised: 28 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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