Political Scientists

What political scientists do

Typical tasks

• Teach political science.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
• Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
• Advise political science students.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
• Identify issues for research and analysis.
• Serve on committees.
• Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
• Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.
• Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.

Political Scientists salary

The median annual wage for political scientists is $142,080 (BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, national). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $83,350 and the highest 10 percent earn more than $195,190. The mean annual wage is $142,510.

The mean hourly wage of $68.00 is 9.4× the federal minimum wage of $7.25. State minimums are higher in most large states. Minimum wage by state →

Pay by percentile

Annual wage percentiles from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Percentiles are a good proxy for pay by experience.

How median, percentiles and the pay range are defined →

Projected pay for Political Scientists (3, 5 and 10 years)est.

Today $142,080 → in 3 years $147,500 → in 5 years $151,300 → in 10 years $161,000 (10-year range $138,500–$187,000). The model assumes pay growth of +1.3% per year.

What drives the annual growth rate

Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →

Outlook score for Political Scientists

Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.

Will AI replace Political Scientists? AI replacement risk

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Labor demand for Political Scientists

Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.

Skills, education and requirements for Political Scientists

What the work involves

Important abilities

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

How to become political scientists

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Career path and how to earn more as political scientists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.