Political Scientists Salary
Salary data across 60 metro areas in the US & CanadaUSD & CAD
Search Jobs on IndeedAvg Median Salary
$127,717
Highest Paying City
San Jose
$184,000
Cities Tracked
60
What Do Political Scientists Do?
Political Scientists investigate and analyze data to advance scientific knowledge and develop practical applications. Their work spans laboratories, field sites, and research institutions, contributing to breakthroughs that benefit society.
Work settings include research laboratories, field locations, offices, and academic institutions. Hours can be irregular, especially when conducting experiments or fieldwork.
Key Skills for Political Scientists
Scientific WritingLaboratory TechniquesCritical ThinkingAttention to DetailPresentation SkillsGrant Writing
Education Requirements
Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline
Many research positions require a master's or doctoral degree. Some entry-level technician roles may accept a bachelor's degree. Postdoctoral research experience is common for academic and senior research positions.
Career Outlook
Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average, with increasing demand for research in areas like environmental science, healthcare, and data analysis.
How to Increase Your Political Scientists Salary
- 1.Publish research in peer-reviewed journals to build your professional reputation
- 2.Develop strong statistical analysis and programming skills (R, Python, SAS)
- 3.Pursue postdoctoral research opportunities for academic career advancement
- 4.Apply for research grants from government agencies and private foundations
- 5.Build a professional network through conferences and professional associations
Political Scientists Salary by City
| City | Median | Average | Range (10th-90th) | Currency | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $184,000 | $202,000 | $92,000 - $253,000 | USD | Apply |
| San Francisco, CA | $174,000 | $191,000 | $87,000 - $239,000 | USD | Apply |
| Seattle, WA | $164,000 | $176,000 | $82,000 - $226,000 | USD | Apply |
| New York, NY | $163,000 | $167,000 | $82,000 - $224,000 | USD | Apply |
| Boston, MA | $159,000 | $164,000 | $80,000 - $219,000 | USD | Apply |
| Washington DC, DC | $157,000 | $174,000 | $78,000 - $216,000 | USD | Apply |
| Los Angeles, CA | $153,000 | $157,000 | $76,000 - $210,000 | USD | Apply |
| San Diego, CA | $150,000 | $159,000 | $82,000 - $201,000 | USD | Apply |
| Denver, CO | $147,000 | $156,000 | $81,000 - $197,000 | USD | Apply |
| Austin, TX | $145,000 | $152,000 | $80,000 - $194,000 | USD | Apply |
| Portland, OR | $145,000 | $155,000 | $80,000 - $194,000 | USD | Apply |
| Honolulu, HI | $145,000 | $148,000 | $80,000 - $194,000 | USD | Apply |
| Anchorage, AK | $144,000 | $152,000 | $79,000 - $193,000 | USD | Apply |
| Baltimore, MD | $142,000 | $146,000 | $78,000 - $190,000 | USD | Apply |
| Minneapolis, MN | $138,000 | $150,000 | $76,000 - $185,000 | USD | Apply |
| Philadelphia, PA | $137,000 | $144,000 | $75,000 - $183,000 | USD | Apply |
| Sacramento, CA | $136,000 | $140,000 | $75,000 - $182,000 | USD | Apply |
| Chicago, IL | $135,000 | $141,000 | $74,000 - $181,000 | USD | Apply |
| Dallas, TX | $134,000 | $147,000 | $74,000 - $179,000 | USD | Apply |
| Hartford, CT | $133,000 | $145,000 | $73,000 - $178,000 | USD | Apply |
| Atlanta, GA | $132,000 | $137,000 | $73,000 - $177,000 | USD | Apply |
| Houston, TX | $128,000 | $134,000 | $70,000 - $171,000 | USD | Apply |
| Charlotte, NC | $128,000 | $141,000 | $70,000 - $171,000 | USD | Apply |
| Detroit, MI | $127,000 | $138,000 | $70,000 - $170,000 | USD | Apply |
| Raleigh, NC | $127,000 | $141,000 | $70,000 - $170,000 | USD | Apply |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $126,000 | $130,000 | $69,000 - $169,000 | USD | Apply |
| Nashville, TN | $125,000 | $129,000 | $69,000 - $167,000 | USD | Apply |
| Kansas City, MO | $124,000 | $137,000 | $68,000 - $166,000 | USD | Apply |
| Miami, FL | $123,000 | $137,000 | $68,000 - $165,000 | USD | Apply |
| Phoenix, AZ | $123,000 | $126,000 | $68,000 - $165,000 | USD | Apply |
| Cincinnati, OH | $123,000 | $133,000 | $68,000 - $165,000 | USD | Apply |
| Richmond, VA | $123,000 | $130,000 | $68,000 - $165,000 | USD | Apply |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $122,000 | $137,000 | $67,000 - $163,000 | USD | Apply |
| Milwaukee, WI | $122,000 | $130,000 | $67,000 - $163,000 | USD | Apply |
| Columbus, OH | $121,000 | $135,000 | $67,000 - $162,000 | USD | Apply |
| Indianapolis, IN | $121,000 | $126,000 | $67,000 - $162,000 | USD | Apply |
| Louisville, KY | $121,000 | $124,000 | $67,000 - $162,000 | USD | Apply |
| Las Vegas, NV | $120,000 | $126,000 | $66,000 - $160,000 | USD | Apply |
| St. Louis, MO | $119,000 | $125,000 | $65,000 - $159,000 | USD | Apply |
| Cleveland, OH | $119,000 | $131,000 | $65,000 - $159,000 | USD | Apply |
| Toronto, ON | $119,000 | $128,000 | $65,000 - $159,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Orlando, FL | $118,000 | $123,000 | $65,000 - $158,000 | USD | Apply |
| Buffalo, NY | $118,000 | $124,000 | $65,000 - $158,000 | USD | Apply |
| San Antonio, TX | $117,000 | $123,000 | $64,000 - $156,000 | USD | Apply |
| Jacksonville, FL | $117,000 | $130,000 | $64,000 - $156,000 | USD | Apply |
| New Orleans, LA | $117,000 | $126,000 | $64,000 - $156,000 | USD | Apply |
| Tucson, AZ | $117,000 | $124,000 | $64,000 - $156,000 | USD | Apply |
| Vancouver, BC | $117,000 | $120,000 | $64,000 - $156,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Tampa, FL | $116,000 | $119,000 | $64,000 - $155,000 | USD | Apply |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $115,000 | $125,000 | $63,000 - $154,000 | USD | Apply |
| Birmingham, AL | $115,000 | $129,000 | $63,000 - $154,000 | USD | Apply |
| Memphis, TN | $113,000 | $120,000 | $62,000 - $151,000 | USD | Apply |
| Calgary, AB | $110,000 | $119,000 | $61,000 - $147,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Ottawa, ON | $107,000 | $118,000 | $59,000 - $143,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Edmonton, AB | $107,000 | $110,000 | $59,000 - $143,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Hamilton, ON | $101,000 | $110,000 | $56,000 - $135,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Montreal, QC | $97,000 | $101,000 | $58,000 - $126,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Halifax, NS | $96,000 | $100,000 | $58,000 - $125,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Quebec City, QC | $95,000 | $104,000 | $57,000 - $124,000 | CAD | Apply |
| Winnipeg, MB | $92,000 | $97,000 | $55,000 - $120,000 | CAD | Apply |