Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a political science teachers, postsecondary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $124,780/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $190K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $113,005 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 47.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $125K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About political science teachers, postsecondarys
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level political science teachers, postsecondarys (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $125K.Top earners bring in $190K or more - a $123K spread from bottom to top.
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $125K | +32% | 990 |
| New York | $122K | +28% | 1,460 |
| Maine | $111K | +18% | 60 |
| Montana | $107K | +13% | 30 |
| Connecticut | $105K | +10% | 340 |
| Massachusetts | $104K | +10% | 810 |
| Vermont | $103K | +9% | 90 |
| Michigan | $103K | +9% | 380 |
| District of Columbia | $100K | +6% | 1,340 |
| Maryland | $100K | +6% | 350 |
| Rhode Island | $100K | +5% | N/A |
| Texas | $99K | +4% | 2,020 |
| Arizona | $99K | +4% | 210 |
| New Jersey | $98K | +4% | 570 |
| Minnesota | $98K | +4% | 200 |
Track political science teachers, postsecondary salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
Related careers in Education
Frequently asked questions
How much do political science teachers, postsecondarys make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $124,780 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $66,190, and experienced political science teachers, postsecondarys can clear $189,640. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $125K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,358/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 47.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a political science teachers, postsecondary salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median political science teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $113,005 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do political science teachers, postsecondarys get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.