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Political Scientists Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Political Scientists make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$103,780
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.6% vs 2024
$104,460
Mean Salary
$103,780
Median Salary
$49.89
Hourly Rate
110 people work as Political Scientists in Illinois

Political Scientists salary by percentile in Illinois

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

Political Scientists salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Political Scientists in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $71,990$71,99025th25% earn less than $85,570$85,570MedianHalf earn more than $103,780$103,78075th75% earn less than $117,590$117,59090thTop 10% earn more than $127,190$127,190

Political Scientists in Illinois earn a median salary of $103,780 per year ($8,648/month). This is 14.6% below the national average of $121,574. Illinois ranks #11 out of 13 states for Political Scientists pay. Approximately 110 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 5.6% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Political Scientists

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.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.25
Active Listening
4.12
Speaking
4.12
Active Learning
4.12
Writing
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Law and Government
4.65
English Language
4.42
Education and Training
4.27
History and Archeology
3.42
Mathematics
3.38
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (88.5% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Political Scientists in Illinois

Salaries for Political Scientists in Illinois range from $71,990 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $127,190 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $85,570 and $117,590.

Median $103,780
P10: $71,990 P25: $85,570 P75: $117,590 P90: $127,190
10th
$71,990
25th
$85,570
Median
$103,780
75th
$117,590
90th
$127,190
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $71,990 $34.61 $5,999
25th Percentile $85,570 $41.14 $7,130
Median (50th) $103,780 $49.89 $8,648
75th Percentile $117,590 $56.53 $9,799
90th Percentile (Experienced) $127,190 $61.15 $10,599

Note: The mean (average) salary of $104,460 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#11
Illinois ranks #11 of 13 states
$121,574
National avg. for Political Scientists
-14.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Political Scientists salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Political Scientists take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Political Scientists Data in Illinois

Political Scientists Salary by State

Compare Political Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Political Scientists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Political Scientists in Illinois is $103,780 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $104,460.
What is the salary range for a Political Scientists in Illinois?
Salaries for Political Scientists in Illinois range from $71,990 at the 10th percentile to $127,190 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $85,570 and $117,590.
What is the starting salary for a Political Scientists in Illinois?
Entry-level Political Scientists positions in Illinois typically start around $71,990 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $85,570 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Political Scientists in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 110 people are employed as Political Scientists in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Political Scientists in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Political Scientists in Illinois is approximately $49.89 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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