Graduate Policy Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $84,732.00 - $119,208.00 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-1
Department: Analytical
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The Legislative Analyst's Office seeks intellectually curious individuals who have completed (or will soon complete) graduate study in public policy, public administration, economics, or a related field. This position provides the opportunity to develop expertise across California budget and policy issues while serving the Legislature in a nonpartisan environment.
The LAO has provided nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis to the California Legislature since 1941. The primary activities of the LAO are to:

• Assist the Legislature in all aspects of the budget process through its analytical and oversight activities.
• Respond to legislative requests for information about and analysis of the state's budget and programs.
• Conduct independent studies and produce self-generated reports on topics of importance to the state.

We deal with real-world problems that directly affect the public and assist the Legislature in setting budget priorities and state policy for one of the world's largest economies. Working independently as well as in teams, we serve as the eyes and ears of the California Legislature to ensure that state-funded programs are operating in an efficient and effective manner.
The LAO values excellence, expertise, teamwork, service, and diversity.
Examples of Duties
The primary responsibility of a fiscal and policy analyst (FPA) is to be the LAO's expert in the policy area to which they are assigned. These assignments fall into one of the following units in the office: Economy, Taxes, and Labor; Health, Developmental Services, and Technology; Environment and Transportation; Higher Education; K-12 Education; Human Services and Governance; Public Safety and Business Regulation; and State Budget Condition.
Toward this end, an analyst:

• Spends considerable time in the field learning first-hand how programs work in practice.
• Keeps up on the laws and available literature in the program area.
• Knows and stays in contact with legislative, administrative, and intergovernmental staff, as well as industry groups and nonprofit organizations in the assigned policy area.

The analyst uses this expertise to:

• Identify and analyze budget and policy issues and develop options and recommendations for the Legislature to address these issues. These analyses are contained in reports, legislative assignments, and initiative and ballot pamphlet write-ups.
• Testify before legislative committees on fiscal and policy issues.
• Serve as a fiscal and program resource to legislators whenever needed.

Because analysts are nonpartisan fiscal and policy staff, it is essential their work be objective, analytical, accurate, and thorough. In addition, for the analyst's work to be useful to the Legislature, it must be solution-oriented and performed in a timely manner.
The unit assignment for this position has yet to be determined and may be in any of the units listed above.
Typical Qualifications
Previous full-time policy experience is not required. We welcome applications from current graduate students and recent graduates who demonstrate strong analytical ability, excellent writing skills, intellectual curiosity, and a sincere interest in California budget and policy issues.
Applicants must possess a master's degree in public policy, public or business administration, economics, or a related field that includes a curriculum of economics, statistics, public finance, and policy analysis. In addition, analysts must (1) possess strong quantitative and analytical skills; (2) be able to communicate effectively through clear and concise writing and oral presentations; (3) work well with others in a fast-paced and production-oriented environment; (4) learn, show initiative, and be willing to take on increasing levels of responsibility; and (5) be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Supplemental Information
Application Period: June 18-July 31, 2026
Priority Review Begins: July 8, 2026
This recruitment is being conducted outside of our regular annual recruitment cycle, which opens each year on November 15. The anticipated start date for this position is mid-September/October.
Permanent, full-time. Employees work from the office in Sacramento, CA Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Telecommuting is offered most Mondays and Fridays, workload permitting, but in-person work may be necessary.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our
01
What best describes your level of education as of Fall 2026?

• Bachelor Degree
• Graduate degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, economics, or a related field
• Ph.D
• Other

02
By Fall 2026, how many years of full-time professional work experience will you have in policy analysis, fiscal analysis, budget analysis, economics, public administration, legislative work, program evaluation, or a closely related field?

• 0-3 years
• 4-8 years
• 9+ years

03
Which best describes your experience conducting policy, fiscal, budget, economic, or quantitative analysis?

• Primarily through graduate coursework, internships, fellowships, research assistantships, or part-time work
• Through 0-3 years of full-time professional experience
• Through 4+ years of full-time professional experience
• Through doctoral-level research or teaching

04
The LAO provides substantial training and development in California budget and policy analysis for all levels of Fiscal and Policy Analysts. Which statement best describes your interest in this position?

• I am seeking an entry-level analyst role where I can develop expertise over time.
• I have some related experience but am interested in building a foundation in California budget and policy analysis.
• I have significant related experience and am primarily seeking a more senior-level role.
• Unsure

05
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer?

• Yes
• No

06
Which best describes your current level of Excel proficiency?

• Beginner, with limited or no experience
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Advanced

07
The LAO serves the Legislature by providing objective, nonpartisan analysis and advice. Are you committed to setting aside personal political preferences and conducting analysis from a nonpartisan perspective?
08
Do you have interest in any specific policy areas? If an assignment is not available in your preferred area, are you open to other assignments?
09
In 250 words or less, what interests you about analyzing California budget and policy issues for the Legislature, and how does this position fit into your long-term professional goals?
Required Question