Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public policy in the UK and beyond. By conducting in-depth research and analysis, you provide crucial insights that influence decision-making and drive positive change in society.

Policy Analyst

35

Public Services & Government

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO35%moving to60%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £36,000
RELATIONAL MOATPeople want a real person for this. That preference is the protection.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and people want a real person for this. That preference is the protection. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Policy AnalystAs a Junior Policy Analyst, you will support senior analysts by conducting research, collecting data, and assisting in report preparation. This entry-level role provides a solid foundation in policy analysis and exposure to various social issues.£28,000 - £36,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Policy AnalystIn a mid-level position, you will take on more responsibility, leading research projects and presenting findings to stakeholders. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping policy recommendations and influencing decision-making processes.£40,000 - £50,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Policy AnalystAt the peak of your career, you will lead major policy initiatives, mentor junior analysts, and represent your organisation in high-level discussions. Your strategic insights will drive significant policy changes and enhance your organisation's influence in the sector.£55,000+
There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Careermash

Careermash: navigate your career path with real data. Explore career profiles, salary benchmarks, AI impact forecasts, and the qualifications you need to get there.


AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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