SOC 19-3094 · Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Political Scientists wages by metro
National median annual wage
$142,080
- 10th percentile
- $83,350
- 25th percentile
- $114,030
- Median
- $142,080
- 75th percentile
- $174,180
- 90th percentile
- $195,190
- Mean
- $142,510
Annual wage from the May 2025 OEWS estimates.
National employment in May 2025: 5,540.
That median is 178.7% higher than the all-occupations national median of $50,980.
The metro and state figures below are the same May 2025 release. A blank wage means BLS did not publish it. See when a wage is not published.
Highest published medians
| Occupation | Employment | 10th | Median | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 3,700 | $118,290 | $156,730 | $195,190 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 80 | $81,790 | $153,960 | $224,960 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 190 | $72,700 | $133,930 | $217,810 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 30 | $78,390 | $114,320 | $199,120 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 90 | $85,020 | $103,780 | $143,110 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 60 | $68,380 | $86,290 | $174,940 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | Not available | $65,220 | $79,990 | $103,810 |
Where employment is largest
| Occupation | Employment | 10th | Median | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 3,700 | $118,290 | $156,730 | $195,190 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 190 | $72,700 | $133,930 | $217,810 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 110 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 90 | $85,020 | $103,780 | $143,110 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 80 | $81,790 | $153,960 | $224,960 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 60 | $68,380 | $86,290 | $174,940 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 30 | $78,390 | $114,320 | $199,120 |
States and territories
| Occupation | Employment | 10th | Median | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 100 | $101,400 | $153,380 | $195,190 |
| District of Columbia | 3,070 | $114,920 | $152,530 | $195,190 |
| Washington | 110 | $81,310 | $147,060 | $214,960 |
| Pennsylvania | 70 | $70,450 | $140,020 | $203,130 |
| Massachusetts | 170 | $76,010 | $133,930 | $217,820 |
| Colorado | 30 | $80,010 | $127,260 | $197,490 |
| Oregon | Not available | $107,230 | $119,460 | $119,460 |
| Ohio | 40 | $63,590 | $119,370 | $142,080 |
| Texas | 160 | $87,530 | $114,050 | $139,010 |
| Arizona | 50 | $71,800 | $108,770 | $163,430 |
| Illinois | 110 | $71,990 | $103,780 | $127,190 |
| Michigan | 180 | $68,380 | $86,290 | $155,740 |
| New Hampshire | Not available | $34,960 | $74,560 | $174,670 |
| Florida | 90 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| New York | 130 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
Other life, physical, and social science occupations
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Chemists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
- Biological Technicians
- School Psychologists
Questions this page answers
What is the national median wage for Political Scientists?
In the May 2025 OEWS estimates, the national median annual wage for Political Scientists is $142,080. Employment is 5,540.
How does Political Scientists pay compare with all occupations?
The national median for Political Scientists is 178.7% higher than the all-occupations median of $50,980.
Which metro has the highest published median for Political Scientists?
Among metros with a published annual median in the May 2025 tables, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is highest on this page's list at $156,730.