Life, Physical & Social Science
Political Scientists
US median pay
$142,080
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-2%
declining
Openings a year (US)
400
6,100 employed
Typical entry education
Master's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Instructing3.5/5
- Systems Evaluation3.1/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
Knowledge
- Law and Government4.7/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Education and Training4.3/5
- History and Archeology3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Communications and Media3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Master's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Doctoral degree88%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.