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.
Also called: Citizen Participation Specialist, Government Affairs Researcher, Government Affairs Specialist, Health Policy Analyst, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Legislative Analyst
Median pay
$142,080
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$83,350 – $195,190
People employed
5,540
Holland code
IAE
Investigative · Artistic · Enterprising
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 a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 6.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 8.Do you prefer working indoors?
Political Scientists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (12 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What political scientists do
- 01Teach political science.
- 02Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- 03Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- 04Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- 05Advise political science students.
- 06Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Education and Training
- History and Archeology
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Tolerance for Ambiguity
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 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
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 scientists
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary88% · −10%
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary81% · −13%
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary78% · −31%
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary67% · −41%
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary66% · −30%
Change into political scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary91% · $98,070
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary82% · $128,500
- Climate Change Policy Analysts80% · $82,220
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary78% · $84,290
- History Teachers, Postsecondary77% · $83,820
Majors that lead here
- International/Globalization Studies
- History and Political Science
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Public Policy Analysis, General
- 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)
- Canadian Government and Politics
- Political Economy
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.