How to Become a Political Scientist
Analyze political systems, public opinion, and policy, informing governments, think tanks, and campaigns. It typically requires a doctoral degree, with a median salary of $142,080 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$142,080/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Policy Analysis
- Research Methods
- Statistics
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Helpful certifications
- Graduate degree (MA/PhD path)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist$193,950 median
- Sociologist$106,030 median
- Anthropologist / Archeologist$70,770 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Political Scientist make?
The median pay for a Political Scientist is $142,080 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Political Scientist?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree. Common majors are Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, and International Relations.
Is Political Scientist a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Political Scientist use most?
Common skills for this role are Policy Analysis, Research Methods, Statistics, Writing, and Critical Thinking.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.