Political Scientist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Political Scientists Make?
Political Scientists earn a median annual salary of $139,380 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $74,750 at the 10th percentile to $191,880 at the 90th percentile — a range of $117,130. The highest-paying state is Virginia at $163,950.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,750 |
| 25th percentile | $103,030 |
| Median (50th) | $139,380 |
| 75th percentile | $172,050 |
| 90th percentile | $191,880 |
Political Scientist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Virginiatop | $163,950 |
| District of Columbia | $153,320 |
| Maryland | $148,680 |
| Washington | $140,970 |
| Pennsylvania | $132,640 |
| California | $130,630 |
| Massachusetts | $130,580 |
| Michigan | $125,750 |
| Texas | $111,720 |
| Arizona | $104,100 |
| Ohio | $99,130 |
| Illinois | $98,300 |
| Georgia | $80,000 |
| New Jersey | $74,760 |
| New York | $74,080 |
| New Hampshire | $63,500 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Political Scientists
Political Scientist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$74,750 – $103,030 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$139,380 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$172,050 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $191,880+ |
How to Earn More as a Political Scientist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Political Scientists in Virginia earn $163,950 — $24,570 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($172,050) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Political Scientist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Political Scientistthis career | $139,380 |
| Chief Executive | $206,420 |
| Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officer | $78,420 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $93,500 |
| Management Analyst | $101,190 |
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SOC: 19-3094.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.