Political Science Teachers Salary by State
The national median pay for political science teachers is $98,070 a year. By state, it ranges from $58,350 in Arkansas to $128,150 in Massachusetts.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $56,450
- 25th percentile
- $73,260
- Median
- $98,070
- 75th percentile
- $129,130
- Top 10%
- $174,660
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 16,970 jobs.
Median pay in 44 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $128,150 | +31% | $78,380 | $219,420 | 920 |
| 2 | California | $124,890 | +27% | $67,510 | $212,210 | 1,060 |
| 3 | New Hampshire | $124,110 | +27% | $66,040 | $310,170 | 90 |
| 4 | Montana | $109,050 | +11% | $58,930 | $189,060 | Not published |
| 5 | Vermont | $107,490 | +10% | $76,060 | $169,790 | 80 |
| 6 | Michigan | $107,060 | +9% | $61,020 | $225,510 | 380 |
| 7 | Maryland | $105,630 | +8% | $66,810 | $219,530 | 370 |
| 8 | New York | $104,050 | +6% | $64,100 | $211,420 | 1,460 |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $102,310 | +4% | $63,270 | $167,860 | 1,120 |
| 10 | Virginia | $101,430 | +3% | $59,600 | $176,660 | 830 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $101,320 | +3% | $62,640 | $156,820 | 170 |
| 12 | Washington | $101,140 | +3% | $55,190 | $133,930 | 450 |
| 13 | Illinois | $100,700 | +3% | $60,220 | $135,810 | 460 |
| 14 | New Jersey | $100,260 | +2% | $32,220 | $171,420 | 650 |
| 15 | Connecticut | $100,230 | +2% | $62,570 | $227,470 | 320 |
| 16 | Arizona | $99,910 | +2% | $60,060 | $130,530 | 190 |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | $97,230 | −1% | $61,350 | $152,080 | 660 |
| 18 | Minnesota | $97,170 | −1% | $73,670 | $168,550 | 250 |
| 19 | Maine | $96,760 | −1% | $65,870 | $177,690 | 60 |
| 20 | Missouri | $94,500 | −4% | $52,670 | $214,900 | 280 |
| 21 | Nevada | $93,300 | −5% | $72,400 | $144,260 | 70 |
| 22 | Louisiana | $88,090 | −10% | $49,990 | $147,350 | 70 |
| 23 | Texas | $86,950 | −11% | $49,010 | $168,900 | 1,890 |
| 24 | Nebraska | $86,380 | −12% | $58,490 | $125,370 | 50 |
| 25 | Wyoming | $84,750 | −14% | $47,500 | $126,140 | 40 |
| 26 | Indiana | $83,770 | −15% | $52,290 | $165,540 | 630 |
| 27 | Oregon | $83,580 | −15% | $72,120 | $133,350 | 540 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $83,190 | −15% | $62,310 | $187,820 | 290 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $81,330 | −17% | $60,040 | $151,760 | 250 |
| 30 | New Mexico | $80,640 | −18% | $60,120 | $127,840 | 40 |
| 31 | Utah | $80,610 | −18% | $46,010 | $129,810 | 70 |
| 32 | Iowa | $80,160 | −18% | $48,470 | $167,090 | 100 |
| 33 | Ohio | $80,090 | −18% | $46,910 | $126,940 | 460 |
| 34 | Georgia | $79,870 | −19% | $48,710 | $152,460 | 470 |
| 35 | Kansas | $78,800 | −20% | $54,120 | $140,380 | 80 |
| 36 | North Carolina | $78,760 | −20% | $47,240 | $144,630 | 440 |
| 37 | Kentucky | $78,670 | −20% | $38,220 | $176,620 | 140 |
| 38 | South Carolina | $78,650 | −20% | $41,130 | $129,350 | 210 |
| 39 | Alabama | $77,860 | −21% | $51,650 | $139,270 | 180 |
| 40 | Florida | $77,860 | −21% | $52,460 | $163,370 | 270 |
| 41 | West Virginia | $77,420 | −21% | $43,370 | $125,170 | 70 |
| 42 | South Dakota | $72,580 | −26% | $59,740 | $101,620 | 30 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $63,400 | −35% | $30,330 | $127,990 | 90 |
| 44 | Mississippi | $59,270 | −40% | $44,700 | $90,100 | 90 |
| 45 | Arkansas | $58,350 | −41% | $56,420 | $79,000 | 80 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Political Science Teachers salary questions
Which state pays political science teachers the most?
Massachusetts, with a median of $128,150 a year (+31% vs. the national median of $98,070). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays political science teachers the least?
Arkansas, with a median of $58,350 a year (−41% vs. national).
Where do most political science teachers work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 1,890, with a median of $86,950.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.