Government of Canada Policy Analyst Salary (2026)
“Policy analyst” is the most confusing job title in the federal government. I'm a policy analyst at the Privy Council Office — classified as EC. My colleague down the hall does similar-sounding work but is classified as PM. We have different pay scales, different unions, and different education requirements. The job title is the same; the compensation is not.
If you're applying to policy analyst positions on GC Jobs, understanding the EC vs PM distinction is the single most important thing to get right. It determines your salary, your career trajectory, and which competitions you're eligible for.
EC vs PM: Which Classification for Policy Analysts?
The key distinction:
- EC (Economics and Social Science Services): Focused on analysis and research. EC policy analysts conduct economic analysis, develop policy options, evaluate programs, and advise on evidence-based policy. Found in departments like Finance, PCO, ESDC, and StatCan.
- PM (Programme Administration): Focused on program delivery and implementation. PM policy analysts work on program design, stakeholder engagement, operational policy, and service delivery. Found in departments like IRCC, Veterans Affairs, and Service Canada.
Both classifications carry the “policy analyst” title, but EC positions generally pay more at equivalent levels and require a degree in economics or social science, while PM positions have broader entry requirements.
Policy Analyst Salary — EC Classification (2026)
EC policy analysts are among the highest-paid analytical positions in the federal public service. All rates below are current 2026 Treasury Board rates.
| Level | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| EC-03 | $77,690 | $87,907 |
| EC-04 | $83,862 | $97,051 |
| EC-05 | $100,265 | $115,404 |
| EC-06 | $113,278 | $131,375 |
| EC-07 | $127,991 | $146,936 |
See the full EC pay scale or our EC salary guide.
Policy Analyst Salary — PM Classification (2026)
PM policy analysts earn slightly less than their EC counterparts at equivalent levels, but PM positions are more numerous and available in nearly every federal department.
See the full PM pay scale or our PM salary guide.
Career Progression for Policy Analysts
A typical policy analyst career path in the federal public service:
- Entry (EC-03 / PM-03): Start as a junior analyst doing data analysis, background research, and drafting components of briefing notes. Salary: ~$78,000.
- Working level (EC-04 / PM-04): Lead your own analysis files, draft policy memos, present findings to management. This is where most analysts spend 2–5 years. Salary: ~$84,000–$97,000.
- Senior analyst (EC-05 / PM-05): Lead major policy files, mentor juniors, provide advice directly to directors and DGs. Often the ceiling for individual contributors. Salary: ~$100,000–$115,000.
- Management (EC-06+ / PM-06 / EX-01): Move into team management, branch leadership, or transition to the EX (Executive) group. Salary: $113,000+.
How to Get Hired as a Federal Policy Analyst
The main pathways into federal policy analyst positions:
- Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR): Annual recruitment campaign for recent graduates. EC positions typically recruit at the EC-02 or EC-03 level.
- GC Jobs (jobs.gc.ca): External competitions posted on the Government of Canada jobs portal. Apply to specific EC or PM postings that match your qualifications.
- FSWEP / Co-op: The Federal Student Work Experience Program lets students gain experience and build networks that often lead to permanent positions.
- Recruitment of Policy Leaders (RPL): Some departments run specialized recruitment for master's and PhD graduates targeting EC-04 to EC-06 positions.
Look Up Specific Pay Scales
View the full step-by-step salary tables, biweekly rates, and salary history:
- EC-03 pay scale — $77,690 to $87,907
- EC-04 pay scale — $83,862 to $97,051
- EC-05 pay scale — $100,265 to $115,404
- EC-06 pay scale — $113,278 to $131,375
- EC-07 pay scale — $127,991 to $146,936
- PM-03 pay scale — $73,798 to $79,511
- PM-04 pay scale — $80,612 to $87,108
- PM-05 pay scale — $96,235 to $104,044
- PM-06 pay scale — $112,834 to $129,017
Use the take-home pay calculator to estimate your net pay, or compare EC and PM side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What classification is a policy analyst in the Government of Canada?
Policy analysts are most commonly classified as EC (Economics and Social Science Services) or PM (Programme Administration). EC positions focus on economic and social analysis, research, and policy development. PM positions focus on program delivery, implementation, and operational policy. The classification depends on the nature of the work, not the job title.
How much does a policy analyst make in the Government of Canada?
A policy analyst in the Government of Canada typically earns between $78,000 and $115,000. Junior policy analysts (EC-03/PM-03) start around $74,000-$78,000. Experienced policy analysts (EC-04/PM-04) earn $80,000-$97,000. Senior policy analysts (EC-05/PM-05) earn $96,000-$115,000.
Is EC or PM better for a policy analyst?
EC generally pays more at equivalent levels and is considered the more prestigious classification for policy work. However, PM positions are far more numerous and easier to get into. EC requires a degree in economics or social science, while PM has broader education requirements. Many people start in PM and move to EC later.
What education do I need to be a federal policy analyst?
EC positions require a degree in economics, sociology, statistics, or a related social science. PM positions have broader education requirements — a degree in any relevant field may qualify. For competitive EC-04/EC-05 positions, a master's degree is often preferred.
All salary figures reflect 2026 rates from Treasury Board collective agreements. FedPay.ca is an independent community tool and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada.