Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Communicating clearly through speech while listening carefully to understand others.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
To enter the occupation, political scientists typically need a master’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. However, some employers consider candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may prefer a Ph.D. PayThe median annual wage for political scientists was $142,080 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of political scientists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 400 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for political scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of political scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about political scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for political scientists was $142,080 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of political scientists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 400 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for political scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of political scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about political scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of political scientists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 400 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for political scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of political scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about political scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
Work Environment
Most political scientists work full time in an office setting. They sometimes work additional hours.
How to Become a Political Scientist
To enter the occupation, political scientists typically need a master’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. However, some employers consider candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may prefer a Ph.D.
Pay
The median annual wage for political scientists was $142,080 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of political scientists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 400 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for political scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of political scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about political scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most political scientists work full time in an office setting. They sometimes work additional hours.
How to Become a Political Scientist
To enter the occupation, political scientists typically need a master’s degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. However, some employers consider candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may prefer a Ph.D.
Pay
The median annual wage for political scientists was $142,080 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of political scientists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 400 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for political scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of political scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about political scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for political scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of political scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about political scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about political scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.