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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Political Scientists

Median Salary
132,350
Job Outlook
-4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 500 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$65,230

10%

$132,350

Median

$154,420

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    88%

  • Master's degree

    7%

  • Post-doctoral training

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Political Science and Government, General
  • International Relations and Affairs
  • Public Policy Analysis, General
  • International/Globalization Studies
  • Political Economy
  • Political Science and Government, Other
  • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
  • International Relations and National Security Studies, Other
  • American Government and Politics (United States)
  • History and Political Science
  • National Security Policy Studies
  • International Policy Analysis

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

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

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

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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.