Political Scientists in New Jersey
Thinking about a career as a Political Scientists in New Jersey? Here’s what you need to know. 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 New Jersey?
For a political scientists working in New Jersey, the typical annual salary is $74,760 per year (or about $35.94/hour).Pay can range from $69,120 at the 10th percentile to $99,590 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,120 | $33.23 |
| 25th percentile | $71,070 | $34.17 |
| Median (50th) | $74,760 | $35.94 |
| 75th percentile | $76,530 | $36.79 |
| 90th percentile | $99,590 | $47.88 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in New Jersey relative to the national average — is 0.41, suggesting fewer political scientists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, political scientists earn a median of $71,521 per year ($34.39/hour), above the New Jersey median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 192,429 political scientists across the United States. In New Jersey alone, around 70 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 120 political scientists.
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
These states pay the most 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
Top 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
Political Scientists typically:
- 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
Software and systems commonly involved: 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
Related occupations to 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