Political Science Teachers
O*NET title: Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Also called: Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Political Science Instructor, Adjunct Political Science Professor, Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor
Median pay
$98,070
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$56,450 – $174,660
People employed
16,970
Holland code
SIA
Social · Investigative · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Political Science Teachers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (44 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What political science teachers do
- 01Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
- 02Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 03Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 04Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 05Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- 06Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- History and Archeology
- Sociology and Anthropology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from political science teachers
- Political Scientists91% · +45%
- Sociologists86% · +8%
- Instructional Coordinators73% · −21%
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary71% · +7%
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists70% · +98%
Change into political science teachers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Sociologists89% · $106,030
- Instructional Coordinators80% · $77,440
- Political Scientists78% · $142,080
- Anthropologists and Archeologists77% · $70,770
- School Psychologists75% · $95,990
Majors that lead here
- History and Political Science
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Public Policy Analysis, General
- Education Policy Analysis
- International Policy Analysis
- International Relations and Affairs
- National Security Policy Studies
- International Relations and National Security Studies, Other
- Political Science and Government, General
- American Government and Politics (United States)
- Political Economy
- Political Science and Government, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.