Average Salary for Political Scientist in the US
A political scientist is a professional who studies the theory and practice of politics and government. They typically conduct research on topics such as political behavior, political institutions, public policy, and international relations. They use a variety of methods, including statistical analysis and field research, to study these topics.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $182,790. This salary rate is an average of all the political scientist jobs across the US, it includes various specializations and employment sectors such as government, private research firms, international organizations, and academic institutions. However, keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on the location, level of education, years of experience, and the specific employer.
In addition to the median annual salary, the BLS also reports on the average salary by industry for political scientists. According to the BLS, the following are the industries that employ the most political scientists and their average salary:
- Federal government: $122,810
- Scientific research and development services: $108,470
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: $106,360
- State government, excluding education and hospitals: $91,500
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $78,660
It's worth noting that the above figures are averages and may vary depending on factors such as level of education, years of experience, and the specific employer or location. Also, these industries may have different requirements for their political scientists, for example, a political scientist working for a research and development firm may have a Ph.D. and a higher salary than a political scientist working for a state government.
Note: The political science field is relatively small, with only about 6,000 jobs in the US in 2020 and the numbers may fluctuate depending on the political and economic environment.
But the above figures are averages and may vary depending on factors such as level of education, years of experience, and the specific employer. Also, the cost of living and the job market in each state may also affect the salary. The highest paying state for political scientists is Washington D.C, where the median salary is around $130,000 per year, while the lowest paying state for political scientists is Montana, where the median salary is around $70,000 per year. The salary for a political scientist can vary depending on the state. Here are a few examples of how salaries for political scientists might differ based on state:
- California: The average salary for a political scientist in California is around $100,000 - $120,000.
- Washington D.C: The average salary for a political scientist in D.C is around $110,000 - $130,000.
- New York: The average salary for a political scientist in New York is around $90,000 - $120,000.
- Virginia: The average salary for a political scientist in Virginia is around $95,000 - $120,000.
- Texas: The average salary for a political scientist in Texas is around $80,000 - $110,000.
It's important to check the current salary rate for a political scientist in the state you're interested in, as the salary rate may change over time.