The average salary for a political scientist in the United States is $132,020, but the range typically falls between $96,600 and $167,650. This corresponds to an average hourly wage of $63.47, with a range between $46.44 and $80.6.
There are approximately 5,580 people employed as a political scientist in the United States. With District of Columbia, Virginia, Illinois employing the highest number of political scientists.The state with the best pay for a political scientist is Virginia, with an average annual salary of $145,100, while Georgia has the lowest average annual salary of $74,400.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,470 | $34.84 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,600 | $46.44 |
| Median | $132,350 | $63.63 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,650 | $80.6 |
| 90th Percentile | $183,500 | $88.22 |
The salary of a political scientist can vary depending on the state. Below is a map of the United States showing the average annual salary for a political scientist in each state. The darker the color, the higher the salary. The best states for political scientists are Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Washington, New York while the worst states are Georgia, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona.
| State | Low-end | Average | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $66,290 | $102,950 | $161,470 |
| California | $75,590 | $127,460 | $230,620 |
| District of Columbia | $103,520 | $146,600 | $183,500 |
| Georgia | $55,000 | $74,400 | $110,000 |
| Illinois | $66,730 | $88,230 | $96,600 |
| Maryland | $97,320 | $155,520 | >$239,200 |
| Massachusetts | $65,850 | $121,160 | $201,090 |
| Michigan | $48,040 | $81,790 | $113,030 |
| New Jersey | $67,370 | $78,560 | $98,760 |
| New York | $79,840 | $137,060 | $183,500 |
| Texas | $79,850 | $104,930 | $126,360 |
| Virginia | $74,800 | $145,100 | $183,500 |
| Washington | $80,580 | $132,010 | $181,190 |
Even between cities, the salary of a political scientist can vary. For example, the areas with the highest average salary for political scientists is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area, DC with an average salary of $147,720.The city with the lowest average salary for political scientists is Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area, GA with an average salary of $74,400.
Areas with highest average salaries for political scientists
Areas with lowest average salaries for political scientists
The number of political scientists in the United States has been decreasing over the years. Since 2020, the number of political scientists has decreased by -430. On average, the number of political scientists has been increasing by -1.8% each year. The salary of political scientists has been increasing. Since 2020, the salary of political scientists has increased by $7,920. On average, the salary of political scientists has been increasing by 1.6% each year.
Political Scientists are part of the life, physical, and social science occupations group. Below is a comparison of the average annual salary for political scientists compared to other jobs in the same occupation group. View all life, physical, and social science occupations jobs here.
$104,000 per year
$86,710 per year
$101,530 per year
$101,520 per year
$66,670 per year
$112,380 per year
