Political Scientists salary by location
National median: $142,080 (2025 OEWS). Percentages below describe each area's published median against that national figure.
| Location | Type | Median | vs national | Employment | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | metropolitan | $156,730 | +10.3% | 3,700 | 2025 |
| Seattle, WA | metropolitan | $153,960 | +8.4% | 80 | 2025 |
| MD | state | $153,380 | +8.0% | 100 | 2025 |
| DC | state | $152,530 | +7.4% | 3,070 | 2025 |
| WA | state | $147,060 | +3.5% | 110 | 2025 |
| PA | state | $140,020 | −1.4% | 70 | 2025 |
| MA | state | $133,930 | −5.7% | 170 | 2025 |
| Boston, MA | metropolitan | $133,930 | −5.7% | 190 | 2025 |
| CO | state | $127,260 | −10.4% | 30 | 2025 |
| OR | state | $119,460 | −15.9% | — | 2025 |
| OH | state | $119,370 | −16.0% | 40 | 2025 |
| Phoenix, AZ | metropolitan | $114,320 | −19.5% | 30 | 2025 |
| TX | state | $114,050 | −19.7% | 160 | 2025 |
| AZ | state | $108,770 | −23.4% | 50 | 2025 |
| IL | state | $103,780 | −27.0% | 110 | 2025 |
| Chicago, IL | metropolitan | $103,780 | −27.0% | 90 | 2025 |
| MI | state | $86,290 | −39.3% | 180 | 2025 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | metropolitan | $86,290 | −39.3% | 60 | 2025 |
| Detroit, MI | metropolitan | $79,990 | −43.7% | — | 2025 |
| NH | state | $74,560 | −47.5% | — | 2025 |