Political Scientists Salary (2025)
Based on 5,540 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $83,350 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $114,030 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $142,080 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $174,180 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $195,190 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$83K
25th
$114K
Median
$142K
75th
$174K
90th
$195K
Highest Paying States for Political Scientists
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $154,300 |
| Maryland | $148,440 |
| Washington | $143,510 |
| Massachusetts | $139,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $136,350 |
| Colorado | $128,590 |
| Arizona | $117,910 |
| Oregon | $117,330 |
| Texas | $114,140 |
| Ohio | $110,980 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Political Scientists salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $154,300 per year, while Ohio has an average of $110,980 — a difference of $43,320. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Political Scientists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,540 workers were employed as Political Scientistss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. The annual mean wage of $142,510 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 19-3094