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Political Scientists Salary in Washington

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Political Scientists make in Washington?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$147,060
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.3% vs 2024
$143,510
Mean Salary
$147,060
Median Salary
$70.70
Hourly Rate
110 people work as Political Scientists in Washington

Political Scientists salary by percentile in Washington

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

Political Scientists salary in Washington — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Political Scientists in Washington.10thBottom 10% earn less than $81,310$81,31025th25% earn less than $95,240$95,240MedianHalf earn more than $147,060$147,06075th75% earn less than $193,450$193,45090thTop 10% earn more than $214,960$214,960

Political Scientists in Washington earn a median salary of $147,060 per year ($12,255/month). This is 21.0% above the national average of $121,574. Washington ranks #3 out of 13 states for Political Scientists pay. Approximately 110 people work in this occupation across Washington. Salaries increased by 4.3% 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 Washington

Salaries for Political Scientists in Washington range from $81,310 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $214,960 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $95,240 and $193,450.

Median $147,060
P10: $81,310 P25: $95,240 P75: $193,450 P90: $214,960
10th
$81,310
25th
$95,240
Median
$147,060
75th
$193,450
90th
$214,960
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $81,310 $39.09 $6,775
25th Percentile $95,240 $45.79 $7,936
Median (50th) $147,060 $70.70 $12,255
75th Percentile $193,450 $93.00 $16,120
90th Percentile (Experienced) $214,960 $103.35 $17,913

Note: The mean (average) salary of $143,510 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
Washington ranks #3 of 13 states
$121,574
National avg. for Political Scientists
+21.0%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Political Scientists Data in Washington

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 Washington?
The median annual salary for Political Scientists in Washington is $147,060 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $143,510.
What is the salary range for a Political Scientists in Washington?
Salaries for Political Scientists in Washington range from $81,310 at the 10th percentile to $214,960 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $95,240 and $193,450.
What is the starting salary for a Political Scientists in Washington?
Entry-level Political Scientists positions in Washington typically start around $81,310 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $95,240 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Political Scientists in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 110 people are employed as Political Scientists in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Political Scientists in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Political Scientists in Washington is approximately $70.70 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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