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Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$124,890
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.1% vs 2024
$136,290
Mean Salary
$124,890
Median Salary
$60.04
Hourly Rate
1,060 people work as Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $67,510$67,51025th25% earn less than $100,380$100,380MedianHalf earn more than $124,890$124,89075th75% earn less than $165,810$165,81090thTop 10% earn more than $212,210$212,210

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn a median salary of $124,890 per year ($10,407/month). This is 37.8% above the national average of $90,616. California ranks #2 out of 45 states for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary pay. Approximately 1,060 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 0.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Top Skills

Speaking
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Active Learning
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
4.61
Law and Government
4.45
Education and Training
4.29
History and Archeology
3.6
Sociology and Anthropology
3.29
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (96.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California

Salaries for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California range from $67,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $212,210 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $100,380 and $165,810.

Median $124,890
P10: $67,510 P25: $100,380 P75: $165,810 P90: $212,210
10th
$67,510
25th
$100,380
Median
$124,890
75th
$165,810
90th
$212,210
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $67,510 $32.46 $5,625
25th Percentile $100,380 $48.26 $8,365
Median (50th) $124,890 $60.04 $10,407
75th Percentile $165,810 $79.72 $13,817
90th Percentile (Experienced) $212,210 $102.02 $17,684

Note: The mean (average) salary of $136,290 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
California ranks #2 of 45 states
$90,616
National avg. for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
+37.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Data in California

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary by State

Compare Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary make in California?
The median annual salary for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California is $124,890 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $136,290.
What is the salary range for a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California?
Salaries for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California range from $67,510 at the 10th percentile to $212,210 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $100,380 and $165,810.
What is the starting salary for a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California?
Entry-level Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary positions in California typically start around $67,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $100,380 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,060 people are employed as Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California is approximately $60.04 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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