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Best States for Political Scientists: Highest-paid Political Scientists by State

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    Carter A
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Political scientists study political systems, behavior, and processes to understand and analyze political phenomena.

This article will explore the best states for political scientists, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid political scientists are in Maryland, where they earn an average of $140,850 per year.
  • The lowest-paid political scientists are in South Carolina, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for political scientists is $91,090 per year.

1. Maryland ($140,850)

Maryland Political Scientists in Maryland earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in Maryland is $140,850, which is +55% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$140,850
10th Percentile$99,690
25th Percentile$120,160
75th Percentile$160,900
90th Percentile$172,490

2. District of Columbia ($136,200)

District of Columbia Political Scientists in District of Columbia earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in District of Columbia is $136,200, which is +50% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$136,200
10th Percentile$79,780
25th Percentile$110,360
75th Percentile$164,090
90th Percentile$176,280

3. Virginia ($134,580)

Virginia Political Scientists in Virginia earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in Virginia is $134,580, which is +48% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$134,580
10th Percentile$66,250
25th Percentile$100,390
75th Percentile$176,280
90th Percentile$176,280

4. California ($124,840)

California Political Scientists in California earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in California is $124,840, which is +37% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$124,840
10th Percentile$67,270
25th Percentile$86,960
75th Percentile$139,920
90th Percentile$220,020

5. New York ($123,300)

New York Political Scientists in New York earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in New York is $123,300, which is +35% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$123,300
10th Percentile$76,170
25th Percentile$94,860
75th Percentile$142,580
90th Percentile$176,280

6. Washington ($116,730)

Washington Political Scientists in Washington earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in Washington is $116,730, which is +28% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$116,730
10th Percentile$67,710
25th Percentile$76,050
75th Percentile$147,050
90th Percentile$167,940

7. Indiana ($99,990)

Indiana Political Scientists in Indiana earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in Indiana is $99,990, which is +10% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$99,990
10th Percentile$87,480
25th Percentile$87,480
75th Percentile$112,490
90th Percentile$112,490

8. Arizona ($98,490)

Arizona Political Scientists in Arizona earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in Arizona is $98,490, which is +8% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$98,490
10th Percentile$64,160
25th Percentile$73,130
75th Percentile$111,430
90th Percentile$146,930

9. Texas ($96,880)

Texas Political Scientists in Texas earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in Texas is $96,880, which is +6% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$96,880
10th Percentile$66,870
25th Percentile$85,510
75th Percentile$111,220
90th Percentile$120,740

10. Florida ($96,050)

Florida Political Scientists in Florida earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for political scientists in Florida is $96,050, which is +5% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$96,050
10th Percentile$38,460
25th Percentile$43,520
75th Percentile$130,400
90th Percentile$154,440

Conclusion

The highest-paid political scientists are in Maryland, where they earn an average of $140,850 per year. The lowest-paid political scientists are in South Carolina, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for political scientists is $91,090 per year and there are 5,316 jobs in the field.