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How much do phd in public administration jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for phd in public administration in Atlanta, GA is $20.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD in Public Administration?

A PhD in Public Administration is an advanced academic degree focused on the study of public policy, management, and governance. This program typically involves rigorous coursework and original research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, or policy research. Individuals with this degree often contribute to the development of public administration theory, teach at universities, or take on leadership roles in public sector organizations. The degree emphasizes analytical skills, policy analysis, and an in-depth understanding of organizational behavior in the public sector.

What career paths are available after earning a PhD in Public Administration?

Graduates with a PhD in Public Administration often pursue diverse career paths, including academic positions at universities, research roles in think tanks, and leadership positions within government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Many also find opportunities in policy analysis, program evaluation, and consulting for public sector or international bodies. The advanced research, analytical, and leadership skills acquired during the program prepare candidates for roles that influence public policy and organizational strategy at a high level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Public Administration?

To thrive as a PhD in Public Administration, you need advanced knowledge of public policy, research methodologies, and organizational management, typically demonstrated through a doctoral degree and scholarly research experience. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), qualitative research tools, and academic publishing platforms is important. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and leadership skills help distinguish professionals in this field. These abilities are crucial for driving impactful research, influencing public policy, and effectively managing or advising public sector organizations.

What is the difference between Phd In Public Administration vs Public Policy Analyst?

AspectPhd In Public AdministrationPublic Policy Analyst
Required CredentialsDoctorate (PhD), research experienceBachelor's or Master's, policy analysis skills
Work EnvironmentAcademia, research institutions, government agenciesThink tanks, government offices, NGOs
Industry UsageHigher education, research, policy developmentPolicy research, advocacy, program evaluation

While a Phd In Public Administration focuses on advanced research, theory, and academic careers, a Public Policy Analyst applies research skills to analyze and develop policies in government or organizations. Both roles require strong analytical skills, but differ in educational level and work setting.

Is a PhD in public administration worth it?

A PhD in public administration prepares individuals for academic, research, or high-level policy roles, often requiring strong analytical and research skills. While it can lead to careers in academia or government, it typically involves several years of study and may not guarantee higher salaries compared to master's-level positions. Its value depends on career goals and the demand for specialized expertise in the field.

What can I do with a PhD in public administration?

A PhD in public administration prepares individuals for careers in academia, research, policy analysis, government leadership, and consulting. Graduates often work as university professors, policy advisors, government officials, or nonprofit managers, utilizing skills in research, data analysis, and public sector management.

Why get a PhD in public administration?

A PhD in public administration prepares individuals for advanced research, teaching, and leadership roles in government, non-profit, and policy organizations. It develops skills in policy analysis, organizational management, and quantitative methods, often requiring coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. This degree can lead to careers in academia, policy advising, or executive positions within public sector agencies.

What are popular job titles related to Phd In Public Administration jobs in Atlanta, GA?

For Phd In Public Administration jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Phd In Public Administration jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd In Public Administration jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

Phd In Public Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd In Public Administration job openings in Atlanta, GA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,254 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Public Policy Research Manager

K.L. Scott & Associates

Atlanta, GA

$114K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Public Policy Research Manager oversees the firm's research function. You will set the research agenda, lead the teams that execute it, and make sure every study KLSA puts its name on is methodologically sound, defensible, and useful to the people who have to act on it.

The objective of KLSA public policy research is to assess the impacts of public policy on community outcomes and deliver clear recommendations to policymakers and government leaders. You are accountable for that objective across the firm.

This is a hands-on leadership and tactical role. You will design studies, supervise analysts, review deliverables, brief clients, and represent KLSA's research capability in front of federal program offices, evaluation stakeholders, and proposal teams.

Key ResponsibilitiesResearch Leadership and Strategy
  • Set the firm-wide research agenda in alignment with KLSA's advisory practice and client portfolio
  • Design and direct policy research studies, program evaluations, and impact assessments across multiple concurrent engagements
  • Select and defend appropriate methodologies, including experimental, quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, and qualitative designs
  • Translate findings into recommendations that policymakers and agency leaders can act on, not just read
  • Establish and maintain firm research standards, protocols, and quality controls
Team and Practice Management
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop research staff, analysts, and subject matter consultants
  • Assign and balance workloads across teams and engagements; own delivery schedules and research budgets
  • Build the firm's research bench through hiring, subcontractor relationships, and academic partnerships
  • Serve as the firm's technical authority on research design and analytic rigor
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as principal research point of contact for client agencies and program offices
  • Brief senior government officials, advisory boards, and community stakeholders on findings and implications
  • Author and present technical reports, evaluation plans, policy briefs, white papers, and executive summaries
  • Facilitate stakeholder sessions, working groups, and data collection activities with community partners
Growth and Capture Support
  • Support proposal development by writing technical approaches, evaluation plans, and past performance narratives
  • Contribute to KLSA thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, and public commentary
Quality and Compliance
  • Ensure research activities comply with federal requirements, including IRB protocols, human subjects protections, data privacy standards, and applicable OMB evidence-building guidance
  • Maintain research documentation consistent with KLSA's ISO 9001:2015 quality management system
  • Own data integrity, reproducibility, and audit readiness across all research products
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in a social science discipline (public policy, public administration, economics, sociology, political science, education, psychology, or a closely related field) or an equivalent combination of advanced education and demonstrated research leadership
  • 7–10 years of progressive experience conducting and directing applied policy research or program evaluation
  • Demonstrated experience leading research teams and managing multiple concurrent studies to deadline and budget
  • Expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods, including causal inference, survey design, sampling, and analysis of administrative and secondary data
  • Proficiency with at least one major statistical package (R, Stata, SAS, SPSS, or Python)
  • Track record of producing publication-quality technical reports and briefing senior decision-makers
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to move between technical and executive audiences
  • U.S. work authorization; ability to pass a federal background investigation
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting federal, state, or local government clients under contract
  • Familiarity with federal evaluation policy, the Evidence Act, and OMB evaluation and evidence guidance
  • Experience with proposal development and technical volume writing in a government contracting environment
  • Peer-reviewed publications or recognized policy briefs in a relevant domain
  • Experience with community-based or participatory research and stakeholder engagement
  • Working knowledge of data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and geospatial analysis
  • Active or prior federal security clearance
Benefits: 
  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K
  • "Discretionary" PTO
  • Professional development opportunities
  • A dynamic and collaborative work environment
Working Environment: 

If you are a results-driven professional and have the above qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this position.  Join our team and contribute to our continued growth and success.  To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.