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  1. Occupations
  2. Political Scientists

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.

SOC: 19-3094.00

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Political Scientists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

5,950

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $74,750. 25th percentile: U.S. $103,030. 50th percentile: U.S. $139,380. 75th percentile: U.S. $172,050. 90th percentile: U.S. $191,880. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$74,750
10% of workers earn the following or more$191,880
Workers on average earn$137,600

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Law and Government4.7/5
  • English Language4.4/5
  • Education and Training4.3/5
  • History and Archeology3.4/5
  • Mathematics3.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • Tableau

Technology Skills

  • Bare Bones Software BBEdit
  • CQ Press Political Reference Suite
  • Data visualization software
  • DataMystic TextPipe Pro
  • EBSCO Publishing Academic Search Premier
  • EBSCO Publishing Political Science Complete
  • Email software
  • Europa World Plus
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Conference phones
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital audio recorders
  • Digital video disk DVD players
  • Handheld calculators
  • Laptop computers
  • Overhead display projectors

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1065.00
  • Sociologists 19-3041.00
  • Economists 19-3011.00
  • Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112.00
  • Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1067.00

Moderately Similar

  • Legislators 11-1031.00
  • Climate Change Policy Analysts 19-2041.01
  • Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1063.00
  • Environmental Economists 19-3011.01
  • Survey Researchers 19-3022.00

Related

  • Public Relations Managers 11-2032.00
  • Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011.00
  • Urban and Regional Planners 19-3051.00
  • Intelligence Analysts 33-3021.06
  • Chief Executives 11-1011.00
  • Management Analysts 13-1111.00
  • Labor Relations Specialists 13-1075.00
  • Lawyers 23-1011.00
  • History Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1125.00
  • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1111.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Master's DegreeMaster of Science in International RelationsIssuer: Troy University
  • Bachelor's DegreePolitical Science MajorIssuer: Troy University
  • Associate's DegreeGovernmentIssuer: Paris Junior College
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateIntelligence and Security (Graduate Certificate)Issuer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • CertificatePre-Law (Certificate)Issuer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Bachelor's DegreePolitical Science (BA)Issuer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Bachelor's DegreePolitical Science, BAIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Bachelor's DegreePolitical ScienceIssuer: Jacksonville State University
  • Bachelor's DegreePolitical ScienceIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Master's DegreePolitical ScienceIssuer: Auburn University at Montgomery