Political Scientists salary
in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
- Middle 50%
- $128,610–$185,220
- vs U.S. median
- +10%
- Metro rank
- #1 of 1
Political Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro earn a median of $156,730 a year, based on BLS estimates for 3,700 jobs (May 2025). That is 10% above the U.S. median of $142,080 and 3% above the DC statewide median of $152,530. It ranks #1 of 1 metros with published figures for this job.
- SOURCEBLS OEWS, May 2025
- SAMPLE3,700 jobs (estimate)
- SCOPEall employers, all experience levels
- PERIODMay 2025 estimates
Full percentile breakdown
BLS · metro vs U.S.
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RELATED JOBS IN WASHINGTON
Questions
What is the average Political Scientists salary in Washington?
The BLS median is $156,730 a year (May 2025). Half of the 3,700 jobs pay between $128,610 and $185,220. The 10th percentile is $118,290 and the 90th is $195,190.
Is Washington a high-paying metro for Political Scientists?
That is 10% above the U.S. median of $142,080 and 3% above the DC statewide median of $152,530. It ranks #1 of 1 U.S. metros with published BLS figures for this job.
How much do Political Scientists make an hour in Washington?
About $75.35 an hour at the median (the BLS annual figure of $156,730 divided by 2,080 hours, the conversion BLS uses). The middle half earn about $61.83–$89.05 an hour. Straight-time pay, before overtime and shift differentials.
Does this include experience levels?
BLS figures cover all experience levels together. Employer filings carry a DOL wage level, which the free checker can filter by (approximate).
Sources: U.S. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (national + state) (metro area estimates, all employers); employer rows from U.S. DOL OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026 Q3 (LCA_Disclosure_Data_FY2026_Q3.xlsx). Base pay only. Estimates can have sampling error, especially for smaller metros.