An MPA degree can be beneficial for public servants at all levels of government. At the state level, Arkansas, like the rest of the nation, is expected to see employment growth for careers involving an MPA degree.
Social and Community Service Managers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that from 2014 to 2024, demand for social and community service managers will grow by 10 percent nationwide. Further, the 2016 median annual pay for these jobs is around $64,680, with the highest paid making more than $110,000.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Another occupational choice for MPA degree holders is the category of medical and health services managers. The BLS expects this category will add 17 percent more jobs between 2014 and 2024. The 2016 median annual salary for this category is approximately $96,540.
City Managers
Arkansas city managers oversee the day-to-day running of a city government. The ultimate career goal for some public administration professionals is to become a city manager. Bruce Moore, the current city manager of Little Rock, is an MPA graduate who makes roughly $189,000 a year.
An MPA degree can prepare you for leadership positions that bring greater earning power. Arkansas, like the rest of the nation, will see growth in many, if not all, of these subsectors, so an MPA degree may be right for people in Arkansas looking to the future.
Learn more about the A-State online MPA program.
Sources:
O*Net OnLine: Summary Report for Social and Community Service Managers
O*Net OnLine: Summary Report for Medical and Health Services Managers
City of Little Rock: Meet the City Manager
ArkansasOnline: City of Little Rock Salaries
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Social and Community Service Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical and Health Services Managers