Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
What it pays
Political Scientists earn a median of $68.31/hr — about $142,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $40.07/hr; the top 10% earn $93.84/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
Political Scientists earn a median of $68.31/hr — about $142,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $40.07/hr; the top 10% earn $93.84/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)
What you'd actually do
- 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.
How you get there
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
The feel of the work
The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)
Working for yourself
About 1.1% of political scientists are self-employed.
Who it tends to fit
This work tends to fit people who are analytical, creative and take-charge.
Work a simulated shift in this job — freeMake the real decisions this job involves, then see what your choices say about you.Related careers
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Biological Scientists, All Other
- School Psychologists
Quick questions
- How much does a political scientist make?
- The median pay is $68.31 per hour — roughly $142,000 a year, with the real range running from about $40.07/hr (10th percentile) to $93.84/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Do you need a degree to be a political scientist?
- The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
- What does a political scientist actually do all day?
- 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.
Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.
Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.