Political Scientists Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for political scientists in the U.S. is $142,080 ($68.31 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $142,080
- Mean annual wage
- $142,510
- Median hourly wage
- $68.31
- Employment
- 5,540
5,540 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,350 | $40.07 |
| 25th percentile | $114,030 | $54.82 |
| Median (50th) | $142,080 | $68.31 |
| 75th percentile | $174,180 | $83.74 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 | $93.84 |
Highest-paying states for political scientists
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $153,380 | 100 |
| District of Columbia | $152,530 | 3,070 |
| Washington | $147,060 | 110 |
| Pennsylvania | $140,020 | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $133,930 | 170 |
| Colorado | $127,260 | 30 |
| Oregon | $119,460 | — |
| Ohio | $119,370 | 40 |
| Texas | $114,050 | 160 |
| Arizona | $108,770 | 50 |
Lowest-paying states
- New Hampshire: $74,560 median annual wage
- Michigan: $86,290 median annual wage
- Illinois: $103,780 median annual wage
- Arizona: $108,770 median annual wage
- Texas: $114,050 median annual wage
About this occupation
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Typical tasks
- Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
- Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.
- Serve on committees.
- Advise political science students.
- Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Master's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Less than high school diploma | 0.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.9% |
| Some college, no degree | 4.8% |
| Associate's degree | 2.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 31.1% |
| Master's degree | 39.2% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 19.4% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.