Health Policy Analyst Career Profile

Despite spending more per capita on health care than any other country, the United States falls behind in health outcomes, according to a 2024 paper published by the Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association. Improving health care involves many stakeholders, including those who assess the laws and regulations that govern care.

The work of health policy analysts — skilled professionals who analyze existing policies and develop new policies to expand and improve care — can help with this. These professionals can help improve health care by reviewing current policies and standards and then making recommendations for new policies or policy amendments. A Bachelor of Science in Health Administration degree is a strong foundation for anyone interested in entering the field.

What Is a Health Policy Analyst?

Health policy analysts are specialists in health information analysis and technology who examine and evaluate the policies governing the delivery and scope of health care. They may work for government agencies, research or advocacy groups, nonprofits, or private and public health care organizations, using evidence to provide recommendations for changing existing policies, adhering to laws and regulations, and developing new policies.

These highly skilled professionals use their knowledge to develop evidence based policies that promote the good health and well-being of entire populations. This often involves making health care more accessible and affordable while improving the quality of its delivery. They may specialize in specific areas. Their specialities include:

Health care finance policy
Health information management policy
Health policy research
Legislative and regulatory policy
Global health policy
Public health policy

Duties and Responsibilities

Like most health care management roles, health policy analysts have numerous duties and responsibilities, and while those vary based on employer and role specifications, they often include the following:

Conducting research: Research is central to analyzing and developing policies. This often involves reviewing medical records as well as past and current policies, identifying areas of improvement and assessing the role policy plays in shortcomings.
Developing new policies: In aligning policy with priorities, goals, and legal requirements, health policy analysts may also write proposals and make recommendations to policymakers, shareholders, and nonprofit advocacy groups.
Evaluating existing policies: These professionals often examine how existing policies impact communities, health care providers, and the public at large. They may propose improvements, modifications, or reforms based on their findings.
Analyzing laws and regulations: Laws and regulations at all levels of government are continually changing. Health policy analysts track bills as they pass through legislation and monitor proposed initiatives that may potentially impact the cost, quality, or delivery of health care.
Meeting with upper management and stakeholders: Much of these individuals’ time is spent meeting with stakeholders, C-suite executives, and government officials. Analysts can then help develop evidence-based policies that suit various communities.
Advocating for policy change: Based on their findings, health policy analysts advocate for making changes to health care. They share policy analyses, briefs, written reports, and presentations designed to sway policymakers to address disparities and improve overall health outcomes.

Education Requirements

The required education for health policy analyst positions can vary from one employer to the next, but according to ZipRecruiter, employers generally require a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field such as health administration. Some may also require candidates to show previous experience in internships or administrative positions with organizations based in public policy or health.

A bachelor’s degree opens the door to entry-level roles such as junior analyst. Senior analysts and professionals interested in specializing often pursue a master’s in public administration (MPA) or public health (MPH).

Salary and Job Outlook

Health policy analysts earned a base median annual salary of roughly $69,520 as of April 2025, according to Payscale. The highest-earning 10% made more than $98,000, and depending on the individual employer, these professionals may also qualify for bonuses.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that positions for political scientists, including health policy analysts, will have around 6,500 job openings each year on average between 2024 and 2034. Some reasons for this include the increasing volume of health information generated by the U.S. health care system and the need to continue analyzing and using this data to make evidence-based decisions.

Improve Care Delivery With Health Policy

Despite spending almost twice as much per capita on health care, the United States has a lower life expectancy and worse health outcomes than most other developed nations. By analyzing existing policies and their impact on communities and providers alike, health policy analysts can propose positive changes, expanding quality health care to more Americans.

Earning an online Bachelor of Science in Health Administration with North Carolina Central University is the first step toward a career influencing policy in ways that benefit everyone — from underserved communities to shareholders and investors. Complete your degree at NCCU Online and become a leader with the skills and knowledge to help create better, more affordable health care for all.

Recommended Readings

What Is Health Services Management?

Public Health vs. Health Administration: Exploring the Impact

Health Leadership in Community-Based Organizations

Sources:

CareerExplorer, What Does a Health Policy Analyst Do?

Disability Career Hub, Health Policy Analyst Overview

Interview Guy, Health Policy Analyst Job Description

Jobya, “Breaking Into Health Policy Analysis: A Career Guide for Aspiring Analysts”

O*Net Online, Health Informatics Specialists

Payscale, Average Health Policy Analyst Salary

Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, “The Role of Health Policy in Improving Health Outcomes and Health Equity”