Political Scientists Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for political scientists in the United States was $142,080 ($68.31 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $83,350 | $40.07 |
| 25th | $114,030 | $54.82 |
| Median | $142,080 | $68.31 |
| 75th | $174,180 | $83.74 |
| 90th | $195,190 | $93.84 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-3094
- Total U.S. employment: 5,540
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What the data says
At $68.31 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $142,085 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $142,080.
Across the United States, 5,540 political scientists are employed (— per 1,000 jobs), making this a mid-sized occupations in the national economy.
Political Scientists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $108,770 | $52.29 | -23.4% | 50 |
| Colorado | $127,260 | $61.18 | -10.4% | 30 |
| District of Columbia | $152,530 | $73.33 | +7.4% | 3,070 |
| Florida | — | — | — | 90 |
| Illinois | $103,780 | $49.89 | -27.0% | 110 |
| Maryland | $153,380 | $73.74 | +8.0% | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $133,930 | $64.39 | -5.7% | 170 |
| Michigan | $86,290 | $41.49 | -39.3% | 180 |
| New Hampshire | $74,560 | $35.84 | -47.5% | 0 |
| New York | — | — | — | 130 |
| Ohio | $119,370 | $57.39 | -16.0% | 40 |
| Oregon | $119,460 | $57.43 | -15.9% | 0 |
| Pennsylvania | $140,020 | $67.32 | -1.4% | 70 |
| Texas | $114,050 | $54.83 | -19.7% | 160 |
| Washington | $147,060 | $70.70 | +3.5% | 110 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
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- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics — $50,620/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers — $74,450/yr
- Computer and Information Systems Managers — $175,140/yr
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers — $76,210/yr
- Carpenters — $60,580/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for political scientists?
The median annual wage for political scientists is $142,080 ($68.31 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays political scientists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many political scientists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 5,540 political scientists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do political scientists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $68.31. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.