Political Scientists pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC), the median pay for political scientists is $75.35 an hour ($156,730 a year). About 3,700 people work in this job there.
That is 10% higher than the U.S. median ($142,080). It is 3% higher than the District of Columbia median ($152,530).
Pay range for political scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $56.87 | $118,290 |
| 25% of workers | $61.83 | $128,610 |
| Half of workers (median) | $75.35 | $156,730 |
| 75% of workers | $89.05 | $185,220 |
| 90% of workers | $93.84 | $195,190 |
Political Scientists pay in District of Columbia metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (this page) | $156,730 | 3,700 |
District of Columbia unemployment rate: 5.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for political scientists
- Typical education to start: Master's degree (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 6 months to 1 year (O*NET)
- Job outlook: -2% over ten years, declining · about 400 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $138,250 |
| Economists | $156,750 |
| School Psychologists | $106,550 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $101,670 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $104,770 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.