Political Scientist Salary in 2026
Political scientists study political systems, policies, and behavior through research and analysis. They examine government institutions, international relations, and public opinion.
Median Salary
$142,080
$11,840/mo
Entry Level
$62,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$160,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Political Scientists (SOC 19-3094) at a national median of $142,080 per year (mean $142,510), or $68.31 per hour, with 5,540 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Political Scientist Overview
Political scientists study political systems, policies, and behavior through research and analysis. They examine government institutions, international relations, and public opinion.
Education
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
6K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$68.31/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,840
Political Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Political Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Political Scientist Salary
$127,000
$10,583/month · $4,885/biweekly · $61.06/hr
Political Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Political Scientist field.
Entry-level Political Scientists earn around $62,100, while the top 10% earn $174,700 or more.
Top Paying States for Political Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $168,000 | +$25,920 |
| New York | $163,000 | +$20,920 |
| Massachusetts | $159,000 | +$16,920 |
| Maryland | $153,000 | +$10,920 |
| Virginia | $151,000 | +$8,920 |
Top Paying Cities for Political Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $178,000 | +$35,920 |
| New York | $168,000 | +$25,920 |
| Washington DC | $163,000 | +$20,920 |
| Boston | $159,000 | +$16,920 |
| Baltimore | $148,000 | +$5,920 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Political Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Political Scientist from entry level to expert.
$62,100
0-2 years
$111,000
3-7 years
$160,000
8-14 years
$189,400
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Political Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Political Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Political Scientist in the United States is $142,080 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Political Scientists (SOC 19-3094); the mean is $142,510. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $62,100, senior professionals around $160,000, and top earners at $189,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Political Scientist?
A Political Scientist typically requires a Doctoral Degree (PhD) with 3-5 years of experience. Key skills include Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Statistics. Relevant certifications such as PhD in Political Science can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Political Scientists?
The job market for Political Scientists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 6K Political Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 12%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Political Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Political Scientists include Virginia, New York, California. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $151,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Political Scientist salary?
To increase your Political Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Policy Analysis and Research Methods. Pursue certifications such as PhD in Political Science. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Washington DC. With 3-5 years of experience, you can progress from $62,100 to $160,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Political Scientist Salary
How we calculate Political Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Political Scientists (SOC 19-3094), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $142,080, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Political Scientists; BLS mean $142,510; BLS hourly median $68.31.
- Entry-level ($62,100) and senior-level ($160,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 5,540 Political Scientists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 12% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Doctoral Degree (PhD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $142,080; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Political Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Political Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Political Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Statistics), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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