Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The median pay for a political science teachers, postsecondary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $92,170/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $172K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $82,939 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 40.5% of take-home, which is tight.
So what does $92K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue’s Regional Price Parity (111.13). Rent from HUD Fair Market Rents. Taxes estimated for single filer, standard deduction. * Healthcare is the employee-paid share only (premiums + out-of-pocket). Actual costs vary by coverage type: employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace, or uninsured.
About political science teachers, postsecondaries
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level political science teachers, postsecondaries (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $92K. Top earners bring in $172K or more, a $115K 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 |
| Virginia | $98K | +3% | 790 |
| Illinois | $96K | +2% | 440 |
| Pennsylvania | $93K | -2% | 810 |
| Louisiana | $86K | -9% | 40 |
| Missouri | $84K | -11% | 330 |
| Tennessee | $84K | -12% | 190 |
| Nevada | $83K | -12% | 90 |
| Washington | $83K | -12% | 390 |
| Nebraska | $82K | -13% | 70 |
| Wisconsin | $82K | -14% | 220 |
| Wyoming | $82K | -14% | 40 |
| Indiana | $81K | -14% | 680 |
| South Carolina | $81K | -14% | 240 |
| North Carolina | $81K | -15% | 510 |
| West Virginia | $80K | -15% | 60 |
| Kentucky | $80K | -16% | 120 |
| Oregon | $80K | -16% | 300 |
| Iowa | $80K | -16% | 110 |
| Alabama | $79K | -16% | 150 |
| Georgia | $79K | -16% | 470 |
| Kansas | $78K | -17% | 90 |
| New Mexico | $77K | -18% | 30 |
| Ohio | $77K | -19% | 410 |
| Utah | $71K | -25% | 100 |
| Mississippi | $69K | -27% | 90 |
| South Dakota | $65K | -31% | 30 |
| Oklahoma | $63K | -33% | 80 |
| Arkansas | $63K | -34% | 140 |
| Florida | $59K | -38% | 520 |
Showing 1–10 of 44 states
BLS does not publish data for every state when sample sizes are too small
Track political science teachers, postsecondary salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do political science teachers, postsecondaries make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $92,170 a year, that works out to about $0 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $56,590, and experienced political science teachers, postsecondaries can clear $171,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $92K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,102/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month, which eats 41% 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (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 $82,939 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do political science teachers, postsecondaries 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.