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Policy Research Analyst Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Tax Analyst

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

Research, analyze, interpret, and document tax laws and regulations to enable accurate tax ... Flex My Way is a set of supportive workplace policies designed to help manage personal and ...

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All JobsPolicy Research Analyst JobsPolicy Research Analyst Jobs in Michigan

Policy Research Analyst information

See Michigan salary details

$33.6K

$64.5K

$86.7K

How much do policy research analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy research analyst in Michigan is $64,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a policy research analyst do?

A Policy Research Analyst studies and evaluates policies, laws, and regulations to provide informed recommendations to organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups. They gather and analyze data, review existing policies, and prepare reports to help guide decision-making. Analysts often specialize in areas like healthcare, education, environment, or public administration, and their work helps shape effective and evidence-based policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy research analyst?

To thrive as a Policy Research Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research, and a relevant degree such as public policy, economics, or political science. Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata), policy databases, and data visualization software is often required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help convey complex information effectively and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for producing accurate, actionable policy recommendations that drive informed decision-making.

What are some common challenges policy research analysts face when synthesizing complex data for policy recommendations?

Policy Research Analysts often encounter the challenge of translating large volumes of complex, and sometimes conflicting, data into clear and actionable policy recommendations. Balancing thoroughness with the need for concise communication, especially for non-technical stakeholders, can be demanding. Analysts must also ensure that their findings are unbiased and grounded in evidence, while adapting to evolving policy priorities and tight deadlines. Effective collaboration with subject matter experts and policy makers is essential to overcome these hurdles and produce impactful research.

What is the difference between Policy Research Analyst vs Policy Advisor?

AspectPolicy Research AnalystPolicy Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsSimilar educational background, often with additional experience in policy development
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksGovernment departments, legislative offices, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles within public and private sectorsAdvising policymakers and stakeholders on policy decisions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, data analysis, policy evaluationPolicy development, strategic advice, stakeholder engagement

While both roles involve policy work, Policy Research Analysts focus on data collection, analysis, and research to inform policy decisions. Policy Advisors, on the other hand, provide strategic guidance and recommendations directly to policymakers, often utilizing research findings to shape policy outcomes.

What are popular job titles related to Policy Research Analyst jobs in Michigan?

For Policy Research Analyst jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Policy Research Analyst jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Research Analyst jobs in Michigan are:

Policy Research Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Analyst job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,467 per year, or $31 per hour.

Health Research Analyst (Quantitative Focus)

Mathematica

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

We are inviting Health Research Analysts with a quantitativefocus to join us in contributing to domestic health policy and public healthprojects. The analyst will support project teams in the management and executionof rigorous, data-driven research projects for clients such as: the Centers forMedicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Substance Abuse and Mental HealthServices Administration (SAMHSA), the Agency for Healthcare Research andQuality (AHRQ), the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), theOffice of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), leadinghealth foundations, and numerous state and local agencies.

Health research analysts work on a variety of projectsspanning policy and programmatic areas. Topics vary and may include: healthcare access and quality, community health centers, primary care, behavioralhealth care, maternal and child health, HIV treatment, rural health care,public health data modernization, Medicaid, Medicare, aging populations, andmore. Analysts typically work on two to four projects at a time and are matchedto projects that suit their skills and offer opportunities for professionalgrowth.

Responsibilities:

Health Research Analysts with a quantitative focus willparticipate in key project activities, which vary by project and may include:

  • Collaborate with senior research staff in a multidisciplinary environment to support rigorous quantitative research, including study design, data management, and analyses to describe or evaluate programs and policies
  • Define analysis specifications, output formats, and table shells
  • Collaborate with statistical programmers on data cleaning and analytic file construction
  • Identify data quality issues and summarize study results
  • Develop user manuals and other documentation for reporting systems and analytic tools
  • Serve as a Project Manager, working closely with the Project Director to help keep projects on schedule and on budget
  • Help Project Directors plan, manage, and close out complex projects
  • Use company-standard project management tools and processes to track project budgets and schedules
  • Facilitate communications across and between internal and external stakeholders
  • Develop familiarity with large health care data sources, such as Medicaid enrollment and claims data, the Health Center Program Uniform Data System (USD), the Area Health Resources File (AHRF), Health Care Costs and Utilization Project (HCUP), electronic health record data
  • Work with programmers to design interactive dashboards or other data visualization products
  • Review and summarize the literature on current health policy topics
  • Draft client memos, chapters of analytic reports, issue briefs, and other written products
  • Help develop proposals for new research projects

Apply