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 |
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.
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.
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:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for political scientists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 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:
- Political Science & Government
- International Relations & Security
- International Studies
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- History and Political Science
- Public Policy
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like political scientists include:
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
- Labor Relations Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Economists
- Environmental Economists
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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-3094.00