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Political Scientists In Demand

General Information

Description

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.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
+7%
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Job Outlook

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Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 600 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$128,020

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$62,240
$138,990
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Doctoral degree 88%
  • Master's degree 7%
  • Post-doctoral training 3%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Bachelor's degree 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.
  • Artistic — You have an interest in creating visual artwork, performances, written works, food or music.
  • Social — You have an interest in helping, teaching, advising, assisting or providing service to others.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Law and Government
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Mathematics

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.