Will AI replace political scientists?AI replacement risk 98% and how the work is changing

United States Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$142,080
25th–75th pct. $114,030–$174,180
Top pay (est.)
$253,700
Top 10% $195,190
Pay in 5 years
$151,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$161,000est.
$138,500–$187,000
Outlook score
35/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
98%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.0%
400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Political Scientists? AI replacement risk

98%
Very high
Ranked #839 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

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 →

Skills, education and requirements for Political Scientists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.9
Speaking
4.8
Critical Thinking
4.8
Active Listening
4.6
Writing
4.6
Active Learning
4.1
Judgment and Decision Making
3.9
Social Perceptiveness
3.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language
5.7
Education and Training
5.7
Law and Government
5.4
Sociology and Anthropology
5.0
Mathematics
4.7
History and Archeology
4.7
Geography
4.6
Philosophy and Theology
4.6

What the work involves

Analyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsTraining and Teaching OthersThinking CreativelyInterpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Doctoral degree
88%
Master's degree
8%
Post-doctoral training
4%

Training before entry

None / short demo
42%
Up to 1 month
27%
4–10 years
12%
1–2 years
8%
1–3 months
8%
3–6 months
4%

Related work experience

6–12 months
28%
None
24%
1–2 years
24%
2–4 years
12%
4–6 years
12%

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

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

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.