SOC 19-3094 · May 2025 · United States
Political Scientists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Political Scientists across the United States is $142,080 per year, measured over 5,540 jobs. The highest state median is in Maryland, at $153,380.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Political Scientists
Pay for this occupation varies by 105.7% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Maryland pays $153,380 and New Hampshire pays $74,560.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $153,380 | 100 | |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $152,530 | 3,070 | |
| 3 | Washington | $147,060 | 110 | |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $140,020 | 70 | |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $133,930 | 170 | |
| 6 | Colorado | $127,260 | 30 | |
| 7 | Oregon | $119,460 | — | |
| 8 | Ohio | $119,370 | 40 | |
| 9 | Texas | $114,050 | 160 | |
| 10 | Arizona | $108,770 | 50 |
States with the most Political Scientists jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 3,070 | $152,530 | |
| 2 | Michigan | 180 | $86,290 | |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 170 | $133,930 | |
| 4 | Texas | 160 | $114,050 | |
| 5 | Illinois | 110 | $103,780 | |
| 6 | Washington | 110 | $147,060 | |
| 7 | Maryland | 100 | $153,380 | |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 70 | $140,020 | |
| 9 | Arizona | 50 | $108,770 | |
| 10 | Ohio | 40 | $119,370 |
Top-paying metro areas
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.