Climate Change Policy Analysts
SOC code 19-2041 · O*NET-SOC 19-2041.01 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering
Climate Change Policy Analysts pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$82,220
a year
Hourly
$39.53
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$91,680
$44.08 per hour
Middle 50%
$64,490 – $107,970
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$52,520 – $140,010
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
89,250
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $52,520
- $25.25/hr
- 25th percentile
- $64,490
- $31.01/hr
- Median percentile
- $82,220
- $39.53/hr
- 75th percentile
- $107,970
- $51.91/hr
- 90th percentile
- $140,010
- $67.31/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
90,300
jobs in 2024
94,300
projected for 2034
About 4,000 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a climate change policy analyst do?
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
- Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
- Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
- Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
- Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
- Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.
- Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.
- Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.
How to become a climate change policy analyst
Most people in this role hold master's degree — 61% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Master's Degree61%
- Bachelor's Degree13%
- Doctoral Degree13%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
Common questions
How much does a climate change policy analyst earn?
The national median is $82,220 a year. The full range runs from $52,520 at the 10th percentile to $140,010 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a climate change policy analyst without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is climate change policy analyst in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.3/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Active Learning3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Law and Government4.0/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Communications and Media2.9/5
- Engineering and Technology2.8/5
- Geography2.8/5
- Administration and Management2.7/5
- Physics2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Systems Evaluation, Systems Analysis, Time Management.