Political Scientists
SOC Code: 19-3094.00
Life, Physical & Social SciencePolitical Scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems to understand how power is distributed, policies are made, and governments function. With a median salary of $139,380, this is one of the highest-paying careers in the social sciences. These researchers analyze political trends, public opinion, and institutional behavior to inform government decisions, advocacy efforts, and public understanding of civic life.
Salary Overview
Median
$139,380
25th Percentile
$103,030
75th Percentile
$172,050
90th Percentile
$191,880
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
-3.1%
New Openings
500
Outlook
Decline
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- Teach political science.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Advise political science students.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
- Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
- Identify issues for research and analysis.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Related Work Experience
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A Day in the Life
A political scientist's typical day revolves around research, analysis, and communication of findings. Mornings often begin with reviewing the latest political developments, policy briefs, and academic literature relevant to current projects. Much of the day is spent designing research studies, collecting data through surveys or archival research, and performing statistical analyses. Writing occupies a significant portion of time, whether drafting policy reports, journal articles, or grant proposals. Political scientists frequently meet with colleagues to discuss methodology and collaborate on research projects. Those working in government agencies may brief senior officials or prepare testimony for legislative hearings. Attending seminars, webinars, and professional meetings keeps researchers connected to the broader scholarly community. Deadlines for publications, grant submissions, and policy reports create cyclical periods of intense work.
Work Environment
Political scientists work in diverse settings including government agencies, think tanks, research institutions, advocacy organizations, and consulting firms. The work environment is primarily office-based, involving extensive computer use for data analysis and writing. Many positions offer a blend of independent research and collaborative teamwork. Government-based political scientists may work in agencies like the Congressional Research Service, State Department, or intelligence community. Think tank researchers often operate in a more fast-paced environment tied to current policy debates and legislative cycles. The work can be intellectually stimulating but also demanding, with tight deadlines for policy briefs and research reports. Travel may be required for fieldwork, conferences, or meetings with stakeholders. Remote work options have expanded, particularly for research and writing tasks that do not require on-site collaboration.
Career Path & Advancement
Most political scientist positions require a master's degree at minimum, with many research-focused roles demanding a Ph.D. in political science or a related field. Undergraduate study in political science, public policy, economics, or international relations provides the foundation. Graduate programs typically involve coursework in research methodology, statistical analysis, and specialized subfields. Entry-level research positions at think tanks or government agencies may be accessible with a master's degree. Advancement to senior researcher or principal investigator roles usually requires a doctoral degree and a strong publication record. Career progression may lead to directing research programs, heading policy divisions, or serving as senior advisors to elected officials. Some political scientists transition into academic positions or move between research organizations, government, and consulting. Professional reputation is built through publications, conference presentations, and policy impact.
Specializations
Political scientists may specialize in several distinct areas depending on their interests and career goals. Public opinion researchers design and analyze surveys to understand voter behavior, policy preferences, and political attitudes. Comparative politics specialists study governance across different nations, examining how political institutions vary and why. International relations analysts focus on diplomacy, trade, security, and the behavior of states in the global system. Policy analysts specialize in evaluating specific domains like healthcare, education, energy, or criminal justice. Political methodology experts develop new statistical and computational techniques for analyzing political data. Some political scientists focus on political communication, studying how media, social platforms, and campaigns shape public discourse. Others specialize in political economy, examining the intersection of economic forces and political decision-making.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓High median salary among social science careers
- ✓Intellectually stimulating work engaging with complex political questions
- ✓Direct impact on public policy and governance decisions
- ✓Diverse employment settings from government to think tanks to private sector
- ✓Opportunity to shape public understanding of political issues
- ✓Growing demand for data-driven political analysis
- ✓Potential for international work and travel
Challenges
- ✗Highly competitive job market, especially for research positions
- ✗Advanced degree typically required, involving significant time and financial investment
- ✗Research findings may be politicized or misrepresented in public discourse
- ✗Grant funding can be uncertain and require extensive proposal writing
- ✗Work may be constrained by organizational or political priorities in non-academic settings
- ✗Publishing in peer-reviewed journals can be a slow and demanding process
- ✗Policy recommendations may go unheeded by decision-makers despite rigorous research
Industry Insight
Demand for political scientists remains steady, driven by growing needs for evidence-based policy analysis and political risk assessment. The expansion of data analytics in politics has created new opportunities for researchers skilled in computational methods, machine learning, and big data analysis. Think tanks and advocacy organizations continue to hire political scientists to inform public debates on issues ranging from climate policy to democratic governance. The intelligence and defense communities actively recruit analysts with expertise in international relations and comparative politics. Private sector interest in political risk analysis, particularly from multinational corporations and financial institutions, provides additional career pathways. Growing public concern about misinformation, election integrity, and democratic resilience has elevated the visibility and relevance of political science research. International organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and various NGOs also employ political scientists for governance and development programs.
How to Break Into This Career
Entering the field of political science research requires building a strong foundation in both substantive knowledge and research methodology. Aspiring political scientists should pursue rigorous graduate training with a focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods. Internships at think tanks, government agencies, or research organizations during graduate school provide practical experience and professional connections. Publishing early, even in smaller journals or working paper series, helps establish credibility. Gaining proficiency in statistical software such as R, Stata, or Python is increasingly essential for competitive candidacy. Networking at conferences hosted by the American Political Science Association and regional associations creates valuable professional relationships. Many successful political scientists begin with research assistant positions that allow them to build skills while contributing to ongoing projects. A strong writing portfolio demonstrating clear policy communication is highly valued by non-academic employers.
Career Pivot Tips
Professionals from many fields possess transferable skills that align well with political science research. Lawyers and policy advocates bring deep knowledge of institutional processes and policy frameworks that directly applies to political analysis. Journalists and communications professionals offer strong research, interviewing, and writing skills essential for policy communication. Data analysts and statisticians from any sector can apply their quantitative expertise to political data with relatively modest additional training. Government employees and public administrators bring firsthand knowledge of bureaucratic processes and policy implementation. International business professionals offer cross-cultural competence and understanding of global political dynamics. Those considering this pivot should invest in graduate-level coursework in political science methodology and theory. Building a portfolio of policy-relevant research and writing demonstrates commitment and capability to potential employers. Engaging with professional associations and attending policy conferences helps establish a professional network in the field.
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