Public Administration
From health inspector and firefighter to policy maker and police officer, employees in the public administration industry work in federal, provincial, and municipal government agencies that look after public programs.
GDP Gross Domestic Product
Gross domestic product (GDP) measures the overall size of an economy. In 2015, the public administration industry made up 4.0% of Alberta's GDP. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2012.
Alberta’s GDP
4.0%
Decrease from 2012
0.5%
Sectors
- public policy and law creation
- justice administration, including civil and criminal legal cases
- public safety and national defence
- production of public goods and services, including organizing, delivering, and financing
Workforce
5.2%
The public administration industry employed 94,400 people in 2015. This is an increase of 4,700 jobs (5.2%) since 2013.
50%
50%
47,600 women worked in the industry in 2015 (up 3.9% from 2013).
49%
49%
46,700 men worked in the industry in 2015 (up 6.4% from 2013).
Average Wage
Public Administration
Average Hourly Wage
Average Hourly Wage
Provincial
Average Hourly Wage
Average Hourly Wage
| Public Administration Average Hourly Wage | $36.64 |
|---|---|
| Provincial Average Hourly Wage | $29.06 |
-
The average 2015 hourly wage of $36.64 for the public administration industry was above the provincial average $29.06.
Industry Performance
Employment in the public administration industry grew by 7.2% from 2014 to 2015.
In its 2015-2018 Strategic Plan, the provincial government included eight key strategic outcomes. Environmental goals, support for seniors, and an integrated approach to improving the socio-economic well-being of all Albertans are examples of these strategic outcomes. Public administration employees help to achieve these outcomes.
The industry has also played a role in responding to recent natural disasters, such as the 2016 wildfires in northern Alberta. Public service employees included the firefighters and police officers at the scene, the social workers who organized relief services, and inspectors who monitored residents' safe return.
Industry Outlook
In its 2016 provincial budget, the Alberta government pledged to maintain spending on public services, including stable funding for Family and Community Support Services and women's shelters. Some areas may even experience growth. For example, as part of its 2016-2019 Health Business Plan, the Alberta government plans to modernize the food safety inspection system, with the possible hiring of more inspectors. Finally, given that 22.4% of public administration employees were aged 55 and over in 2015, jobs will open up as current employees retire.
Industry Employment Trends
0.1%
Employment in this industry is expected to grow at an average rate of 0.1% from 2016 to 2019.
OCCinfo has more information about occupations in Alberta, including details about duties, working conditions, educational requirements, employment outlook, and salary ranges. You can also find reports on region-specific information about wages, job vacancies, and hiring difficulties in this industry. Visit the Survey Analysis to learn more.
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