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Policy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Policy Analyst / Sr. Policy Analyst

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Research & Analysis : * Conduct energy policy research and analysis for DSIRE, DSIRE Insight, and other Policy & Markets team projects. * Track and analyze energy policy developments in a subset of ...

Groundwork Collaborative

Policy Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

Gather and analyze academic and policy research, statistical data; and federal, state, and local policy or implementation information. * Draft policy products, with a focus on summarizing research ...

New

City of New York

Policy Analyst

Manhattan, NY

The Policy Research Unit works to review, monitor, evaluate, address, and implement a diverse set of policies affecting the for-hire transportation industry and the communities it serves. Recent ...

City of New York

Policy Analyst

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The Policy Research Unit works to review, monitor, evaluate, address, and implement a diverse set of policies affecting the for-hire transportation industry and the communities it serves. Recent ...

City of New York

Policy Analyst

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Policy Research Unit works to review, monitor, evaluate, address, and implement a diverse set of policies affecting the for-hire transportation industry and the communities it serves. Recent ...

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Policy Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do policy researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Policy researchers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, investment banking, or specialized medical fields. High-paying positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership responsibilities. For policy-related roles, top executive or consulting positions may reach this level with significant seniority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a background in political science, public policy, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), data visualization tools, and academic databases is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail set standout researchers apart. These skills are vital for producing accurate, actionable insights that inform policy decisions and drive effective advocacy.

What is a policy researcher?

A policy researcher is a professional who analyzes, evaluates, and develops public policies and programs. They use research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking to inform decision-making and often work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations.

What jobs pay 200,000 a year in the USA?

Policy researchers typically do not earn $200,000 annually, but senior roles such as policy directors, senior analysts, or consultants in government agencies, think tanks, or large organizations can reach or exceed this salary level. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong analytical skills, and may involve leadership responsibilities or specialized expertise. High-paying roles in related fields include executive positions in policy or strategy, which often require a combination of experience, advanced education, and a proven track record.

What does a Policy Researcher do?

A Policy Researcher analyzes data, evaluates policies, and provides recommendations to help organizations or governments make informed decisions. They conduct research on social, economic, or political issues, gather and interpret data, and produce reports or briefing materials. Their work often involves staying updated on current policy debates, collaborating with stakeholders, and presenting their findings to decision-makers. Policy Researchers play a crucial role in shaping effective and evidence-based public policies.

What is the difference between Policy Researcher vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy ResearcherPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, think tanks, government agenciesGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles within policy developmentInvolved in analyzing, developing, and recommending policies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in policyUnderstanding policy analysis and development roles

Policy Researchers focus on conducting in-depth research, data collection, and analysis to inform policy decisions. Policy Analysts interpret research findings, evaluate policy options, and develop recommendations for policymakers. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, Policy Researchers are more research-oriented, whereas Policy Analysts are more involved in applying research to policy formulation and advocacy.

What are some common challenges Policy Researchers face when translating complex findings into actionable recommendations?

Policy Researchers often grapple with distilling complex data and nuanced findings into clear, concise recommendations that are easily understood by policymakers and stakeholders. Balancing accuracy with accessibility can be challenging, as oversimplification may lead to misinterpretation, while too much detail can overwhelm decision-makers. Additionally, researchers must consider diverse stakeholder perspectives and ensure their recommendations are both practical and aligned with policy goals, often under tight deadlines. Developing strong communication skills and collaborating closely with policy analysts, subject matter experts, and advocacy teams can help address these challenges.

Is there a demand for policy analysts?

Policy researchers and analysts are in demand across government agencies, think tanks, and private organizations due to the need for data-driven decision-making and policy development. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as organizations seek expertise in analyzing and evaluating policies, often requiring strong research skills and familiarity with statistical tools. Job prospects can vary based on economic conditions and government funding levels.
More about Policy Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Policy Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Policy Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Policy Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Policy Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Policy Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Researcher jobs are:
Policy Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Policy Research Analyst

Policy Research Analyst

University of Louisiana, Lafayette

Lafayette, LA

Other

Posted 3 days ago

University Of Louisiana At Lafayette rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Kathleen Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an independent, interdisciplinary research center and archive engaged in research across a range of topics in public policy, including education, poverty and economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, health and healthcare, the coast and environment, and governmental ethics.  
The Policy Research Analyst, under the supervision of a Research Scientist, will support a wide range of public policy research and data management work including quantitative analysis of large administrative data sets and building subject matter expertise in key policy areas. 
Essential functions: 

Support the LA FIRST research team by: 

  • Building a center of expertise in criminal justice and criminal justice reform in Louisiana using quantitative and qualitative research skills, including but not limited to interviews with practitioners and policymakers, building and maintaining a library of extant literature, and crafting expert literature reviews and presentations that can inform research focus and policy discussions 
  • Conducting exploratory data analysis and statistical analyses of longitudinal or cross-sectional data using Stata statistical software  
  • Carrying out research designs under the supervision of the Research Scientist 
  • Completing administrative tasks of the research team at the discretion of the Research Scientist (e.g., scheduling, documentation, communications, and special project management) 
  • Translate research findings for broad and varied audiences in academic papers and presentations, policy briefs and papers, public presentations, webinars, video recordings, and data visualizations and dashboards 
  • Participate in training, user agreements, and business processes established by the LA FIRST Information Division to protect individual data privacy and confidentiality 
  • Participate in synchronous and asynchronous team management practices of the LA FIRST team 

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