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Political Scientists in District of Columbia

Political Scientists in District of Columbia

Considering working as a Political Scientists in District of Columbia? Below are the key facts. 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. Excludes “Survey Researchers” (19-3022).

What do Political Scientists Make in District of Columbia?

For a political scientists working in District of Columbia, wages run about $153,320 per year (or about $73.71/hour).Annual wages span from $110,590 at the 10th percentile to $191,880 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic Annual Hourly
10th percentile $110,590 $53.17
25th percentile $125,820 $60.49
Median (50th) $153,320 $73.71
75th percentile $181,210 $87.12
90th percentile $191,880 $92.25
Salary ranges for Political Scientists in District of Columbia

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in District of Columbia relative to the national average — is 118.81, indicating that political scientists are more concentrated here than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, political scientists earn a median of $71,521 per year ($34.39/hour), exceeding the District of Columbia median.

Political Scientists earnings in District of Columbia vs. the national average

Employment Outlook

National employment for 192,429 political scientists nationwide. In District of Columbia alone, about 3,250 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 120 political scientists.

Political Scientists in District of Columbia vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for Political Scientists

Top District of Columbia Metros for Political Scientists

These are the District of Columbia metros with the most political scientists in District of Columbia.

Metro Area Number Employed Annual Median Salary
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 3,910 $153,340

Top States for Political Scientists Employment

These states have the highest employment of political scientists work.

State Number Employed
District of Columbia 3,250
Virginia 660
New York 210
Florida 210
Texas 170
Washington 140
Maryland 130
Michigan 120
Illinois 110
Pennsylvania 90
New Jersey 70
California 50
Ohio 50
Arizona 40
Georgia 30

Highest-Paying States for Political Scientists

The highest-paying states for political scientists.

State Annual Median Salary
Virginia $163,950
District of Columbia $153,320
Maryland $148,680
Washington $140,970
Pennsylvania $132,640
California $130,630
Massachusetts $130,580
Michigan $125,750
Texas $111,720
Arizona $104,100

Skills

The most important political scientists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Reading Comprehension  4.2 / 5
0
5
Speaking  4.1 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  4.1 / 5
0
5
Active Learning  4.1 / 5
0
5
Writing  4.0 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  4.0 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Law and Government  4.7 / 5
0
5
English Language  4.4 / 5
0
5
Education and Training  4.3 / 5
0
5
History and Archeology  3.4 / 5
0
5
Mathematics  3.4 / 5
0
5
Communications and Media  3.3 / 5
0
5

Abilities

Top abilities for political scientists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Written Comprehension  4.6 / 5
0
5
Oral Expression  4.1 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  4.1 / 5
0
5
Inductive Reasoning  4.0 / 5
0
5
Written Expression  4.0 / 5
0
5
Speech Clarity  4.0 / 5
0
5

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

  • 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.
  • Serve on committees.
  • Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
  • Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.
  • Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.

Work Activities

  • Analyzing Data or Information
  • Getting Information
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Processing Information
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Training and Teaching Others
  • Thinking Creatively
  • Working with Computers
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, IBM SPSS Statistics In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Several college majors map to this occupation:

Other careers like political scientists include:

Also Known As

Citizen Participation Specialist, Government Affairs Researcher, Government Affairs Specialist, Health Policy Analyst, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Legislative Analyst, Legislative Liaison, Legislative Policy Analyst, Local Governance Specialist, Medical Policy Analyst, Policy Advisor, Policy Analyst, Policy Associate, Policy Officer, Policy Specialist.

References

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