Political Scientists Salary
BLS May 2025 median wages — with computed take-home after taxes for all 13 reporting states. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data, the median political scientists in the US earns $142,080 per year (5,540 employed). Gross pay is highest in Maryland ($153,380) and lowest in New Hampshire ($74,560) — but what you keep depends on the state's taxes; see the table.
Political Scientists pay by stategross median vs take-home
| State | Median wage | After taxes | Monthly net | Kept | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Scientists in Maryland | $153,380 | $109,008 | $9,084 | 71.1% | 100 |
| Political Scientists in Washington DC | $152,530 | $105,524 | $8,794 | 69.2% | 3,070 |
| Political Scientists in Washington | $147,060 | $111,782 | $9,315 | 76% | 110 |
| Political Scientists in Pennsylvania | $140,020 | $102,671 | $8,556 | 73.3% | 70 |
| Political Scientists in Massachusetts | $133,930 | $96,331 | $8,028 | 71.9% | 170 |
| Political Scientists in Colorado | $127,260 | $93,357 | $7,780 | 73.4% | 30 |
| Political Scientists in Oregon | $119,460 | $83,247 | $6,937 | 69.7% | — |
| Political Scientists in Ohio | $119,370 | $90,307 | $7,526 | 75.7% | 40 |
| Political Scientists in Texas | $114,050 | $89,064 | $7,422 | 78.1% | 160 |
| Political Scientists in Arizona | $108,770 | $82,839 | $6,903 | 76.2% | 50 |
| Political Scientists in Illinois | $103,780 | $76,847 | $6,404 | 74% | 110 |
| Political Scientists in Michigan | $86,290 | $66,119 | $5,510 | 76.6% | 180 |
| Political Scientists in New Hampshire | $74,560 | $61,283 | $5,107 | 82.2% | — |
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