Political Scientists Salary by State
The national median pay for political scientists is $142,080 a year. By state, it ranges from $74,560 in New Hampshire to $153,380 in Maryland.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $83,350
- 25th percentile
- $114,030
- Median
- $142,080
- 75th percentile
- $174,180
- Top 10%
- $195,190
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 5,540 jobs.
Median pay in 12 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $153,380 | +8% | $101,400 | $195,190 | 100 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $152,530 | +7% | $114,920 | $195,190 | 3,070 |
| 3 | Washington | $147,060 | +4% | $81,310 | $214,960 | 110 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $140,020 | −1% | $70,450 | $203,130 | 70 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $133,930 | −6% | $76,010 | $217,820 | 170 |
| 6 | Colorado | $127,260 | −10% | $80,010 | $197,490 | 30 |
| 7 | Oregon | $119,460 | −16% | $107,230 | $119,460 | Not published |
| 8 | Ohio | $119,370 | −16% | $63,590 | $142,080 | 40 |
| 9 | Texas | $114,050 | −20% | $87,530 | $139,010 | 160 |
| 10 | Arizona | $108,770 | −23% | $71,800 | $163,430 | 50 |
| 11 | Illinois | $103,780 | −27% | $71,990 | $127,190 | 110 |
| 12 | Michigan | $86,290 | −39% | $68,380 | $155,740 | 180 |
| 13 | New Hampshire | $74,560 | −48% | $34,960 | $174,670 | Not published |
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 Scientists salary questions
Which state pays political scientists the most?
Maryland, with a median of $153,380 a year (+8% vs. the national median of $142,080). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays political scientists the least?
New Hampshire, with a median of $74,560 a year (−48% vs. national).
Where do most political scientists work?
District of Columbia has the most jobs, about 3,070, with a median of $152,530.
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.