Political Scientists salary
The median pay for political scientists in the United States is $142,080 a year. About 5,540 people hold this job.
- 10th percentile
- $83,350
- 25th percentile
- $114,030
- Median percentile
- $142,080
- 75th percentile
- $174,180
- 90th percentile
- $195,190
Percentiles show the spread of pay, not experience. BLS does not report experience, so reading the 25th percentile as "entry level" is only a rough guide. Data period: BLS OEWS May 2025.
How to become: education, skills and job outlook
By state
- Maryland $153,380
- District of Columbia $152,530
- Washington $147,060
- Pennsylvania $140,020
- Massachusetts $133,930
- Colorado $127,260
- Ohio $119,370
- Texas $114,050
- Arizona $108,770
- Illinois $103,780
- Michigan $86,290
By metro area
- Washington, DC $156,730
- Seattle, WA $153,960
- Boston, MA $133,930
- Phoenix, AZ $114,320
- Chicago, IL $103,780
- Ann Arbor, MI $86,290