Political Scientists

Occupation

$139,380
National Median Salary
$67.01
Median Hourly Wage
5,950
Total Employment

Salary Distribution

$74,750
$103,030
$139,380
$172,050
$191,880

10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile

Salary Trend (2014-2024)

+32.8%
10 Year Change
$104,920
2014 Median
$139,380
2024 Median
Best Paying Industries Industry Wage Growth Best Paying States Fastest Growing States Where This Career Pays Above Average

Top Paying Industries for Political Scientists

Industry Annual Median Employment
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) $151,630 4,040
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) $146,620 4,380
Scientific Research and Development Services $132,460 720
Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities $130,840 610
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services $130,580 940

View all 13 industries →

Top Paying States for Political Scientists

State Annual Median Employment
Virginia $163,950 660
District of Columbia $153,320 3,250
Maryland $148,680 130
Washington $140,970 140
Pennsylvania $132,640 90

View all states →

Related Occupations

Astronomers and Physicists Physicists Astronomers Miscellaneous Physical Scientists Physical Scientists, All Other

Explore Political Scientists by State

Virginia District of Columbia Maryland Washington Pennsylvania California Massachusetts Michigan Texas Arizona Ohio Illinois Georgia New Jersey New York

Explore Political Scientists by Industry

See how this career performs in specific industries

Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) Scientific Research and Development Services Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) Social Advocacy Organizations Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations Educational Services Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)