How much does a political scientist make?
The median political scientist in the United States earns $139,380 per year, about $67.01 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all political scientists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 19-3094.
Political scientist salary range
Pay for political scientists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $74,750 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $191,880. The average (mean) wage is $137,600, close to the median.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,750 | $35.94 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $103,030 | $49.54 | |
| Median (50th) | $139,380 | $67.01 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $172,050 | $82.72 | |
| 90th percentile | $191,880 | $92.25 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for political scientists (SOC 19-3094), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Political scientist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Political scientists earn the most in Virginia at $163,950 a year, and the least in New Hampshire at $63,500. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $163,950 | 660 |
| District of Columbia | $153,320 | 3,250 |
| Maryland | $148,680 | 130 |
| Washington | $140,970 | 140 |
| Pennsylvania | $132,640 | 90 |
| California | $130,630 | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $130,580 | N/A |
| Michigan | $125,750 | 120 |
| Texas | $111,720 | 170 |
| Arizona | $104,100 | 40 |
| Ohio | $99,130 | 50 |
| Illinois | $98,300 | 110 |
| Georgia | $80,000 | 30 |
| New Jersey | $74,760 | 70 |
| New York | $74,080 | 210 |
| New Hampshire | $63,500 | N/A |
State median wages for political scientists (SOC 19-3094), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for political scientists
The BLS projects employment of political scientists to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 2%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 6,100 jobs in 2025 moving toward 6,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 400 openings a year for political scientists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a political scientist
The typical entry-level education for political scientists is a master's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a political scientist earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Virginia, $163,950) and the lowest (New Hampshire, $63,500) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 5,950 people work as political scientists in the United States. At $139,380 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Political scientist salary FAQ
How much does a political scientist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a political scientist is $67.01. The middle half of political scientists earn between $49.54 and $82.72 per hour.
What is the highest political scientist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of political scientists earn more than $191,880 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a political scientist make a year?
The median annual salary for a political scientist is $139,380. The average (mean) wage is $137,600, close to the median.
Is being a political scientist a well paid job?
At $139,380 a year, a political scientist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 5,950 people work as political scientists in the United States.
Which state pays political scientists the most?
Virginia has the highest median salary for political scientists at $163,950 a year. District of Columbia ($153,320) and Maryland ($148,680) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a political scientist a good career?
Employment of political scientists is projected to shrink 2% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a political scientist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for political scientists as a master's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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