The Career outlook for an individual largely depends on both experience in the field of public administration and job performance. Though those with an MPA are often hired into a higher position due to their advanced degree.

Salaries in public administration depend on a variety of factors. Is the job part time or for only a few months a year? A part time council member may only earn a few thousand dollars a year while salaries in public administration are known to have gone as high as $400,000 a year.

Generally, initial salary outlook largely depends on the level of education the person has when going into public administration. Depending on the specialty, a new employee with an MPA degree can expect to earn roughly $45,000 their first year on the job. This figure is a median salary between government and private sector positions. Salaries in government agencies tend to be lower, roughly six thousand dollars a year less for a MPA degree holder right out of school.

The median salary increases to $74,000 after ten years and tops off at $86,000 after twenty or more years of experience. Some of the highest paid holders of MPA degrees work as city managers ($100,000/yr.) while program coordinators in non-profit organizations tend to have the lowest salaries of MPA holders ($39,000/yr.).