Salary Guide: Skills in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA)
Salary Guide: Skills in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA) Heading link
Professionals armed with specialized skills in measurement, evaluation, statistics, and assessment play a pivotal role in shaping research and addressing the current job demand for employment in occupations that analyze information and data. An understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies will open doors to fulfilling career prospects accompanied by competitive salaries.
Job outlook in measurement, assessment, statistics, and evaluation: Based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the latest data collected from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduates with skills in measurement, evaluation, statistics, and assessment are in high demand across various industries. The statistics reveal a growing need for professionals who can analyze and interpret data to inform decision-making processes. While the BLS doesn’t specifically compile information on MESA-related occupations, the outlook for jobs requiring MESA skills is promising. Here are some examples:
- Data Scientists: This occupation earns an average of $103,500 per year and is expected to grow by 35%, a much higher growth rate than other occupations, between 2022 and 2032.
- Mathematicians and Statisticians: These occupations can earn an average of $99,960 per year and jobs in the field are expected to grow by 30% between 2022 and 2032.
Salary range for MESA-related careers: Based on Glassdoor Insights
Glassdoor reports that professionals with expertise in measurement, assessment, statistics, and evaluation can pursue careers with a diverse salary range. A Data and Evaluation Specialist who is responsible for orchestrating all facets of program evaluations, such as methods design, data collection, analysis, and reporting, earns an annual salary of $74,582 in the United States. On the other hand, an Institutional Researcher who collects, analyzes, reports, and warehouses quantitative and qualitative data about their institution can command a higher annual salary of $113,000 in the United States.
The range in salary between the two titles can be attributed to several factors, including industry type, the geographical location of the job, the demand for the position, and the educational qualifications required for optimal performance. Both roles, Data Evaluation Specialist and Quantitative Analyst, require the skills imparted in educational programs focusing on measurement, assessment, statistics, and evaluation.
Jobs and salaries in measurement, assessment, statistics, and evaluation
According to Glassdoor, below are a variety of jobs and salaries that professionals armed with specialized skills in measurement, evaluation, statistics, and assessment can pursue.
Jobs and salaries in measurement, assessment, statistics, and evaluation Heading link
| Position | Salary | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Data and Evaluation Specialist | $75,000 average | Government, Education, Nonprofits |
| Psychometrician | $80,000 average | Government, Education, Healthcare |
| Director of Assessment and Accreditation | $83,000 average | Education, Nonprofits, Consulting, Research Institutions |
| Data Analyst | $84,000 average | Technology, Finance, Consulting |
| Test Developer | $90,000 average | Education, Research Institutions, EdTech Companies, Consulting |
| Certification Manager | $103,000 average | Technology, Project Management, Human Resources, Security and Compliance |
| Institutional Research Officer | $107,000 average | Education, Government, Research Institutions, Consulting |
| Educational Assessment Consultant | $108,000 average | Education, Testing and Assessment Companies, EdTech Companies |
| Institutional Researcher | $113,000 average | Education, Government, Nonprofits, EdTech Companies |
Advance your career with UIC’s online MESA program Heading link
Advance your career with UIC’s online MESA program
The University of Illinois Chicago’s online Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment program trains quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method researchers for careers in education, social sciences, behavioral sciences, healthcare settings, technology, and more. This 100% online asynchronous master’s degree encompasses the best methods to collect data, analyze data, and interpret and effectively communicate the data. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months. Part-time students can complete the program in 24 months.
UIC also offers an online Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment Certificate. This graduate certificate is designed for individuals who want to pursue a focused course of study in research methods. Full-time students can complete the program in 6 months. Part-time students can complete the program in 12 months.
Skills that increase your earning potential in MESA-related careers
The skills covered in UIC’s online MESA curriculum are those associated with higher median salaries in various industries. Additionally, the UIC faculty is composed of nationally recognized experts and thought leaders in measurement, evaluation, statistics, and assessment. MESA graduates have a range of skills that contribute to salary enhancement, including:
- Measurement and Psychometric Skills:
- Develop assessment design expertise, including creating tools and applying psychometric principles.
- Statistical Analyses:
- Master statistical methodologies, covering descriptive statistics to handling complex longitudinal and nested data.
- Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research:
- Gain proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research with emphasis in mixed methods research.
- Common Software Programs:
- Gain exposure to essential software tools like SPSS, SAS, R, Winsteps, GENOVA, and IRTPro.
- Research Design and Methodology:
- Acquire skills in designing research studies and selecting methodologies, plus an understanding of experimental and non-experimental designs.
- Survey Development and Analysis:
- Develop expertise in survey design, including formulating relevant questions, methods to investigate the validity of inferences and reliability of the data.