Political Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a political scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $153,340/year ($73.72/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $109K at the entry level to $192K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $140,834 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 24.8% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $153K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About political scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level political scientists (10th percentile) start around $109K. Mid-career wages sit at $153K.Top earners bring in $192K or more - a $83K spread from bottom to top.
Political Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $164K | +18% | 660 |
| District of Columbia | $153K | +10% | 3,250 |
| Maryland | $149K | +7% | 130 |
| Washington | $141K | +1% | 140 |
| Pennsylvania | $133K | -5% | 90 |
| California | $131K | -6% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $131K | -6% | N/A |
| Michigan | $126K | -10% | 120 |
| Texas | $112K | -20% | 170 |
| Arizona | $104K | -25% | 40 |
| Ohio | $99K | -29% | 50 |
| Illinois | $98K | -29% | 110 |
| Georgia | $80K | -43% | 30 |
| New Jersey | $75K | -46% | 70 |
| New York | $74K | -47% | 210 |
Track political scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do political scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $153,340 a year - that works out to about $73.72 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $108,840, and experienced political scientists can clear $191,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $153K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,781/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 25.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a political scientists salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 scientists salary is worth about $140,834 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do political scientists 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.