Occupation Salary Profile

Political Scientists

SOC Code: 19-3094

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. Excludes “Survey Researchers” (19-3022).

National Median (BLS)
$103,780
▲ +5.57% Nominal +2.24% Real
H-1B Sponsor Median
$100,000
▲ +11.11% Nominal +7.74% Real
Average Base Salary
$113,750
Domestic Mean Pay
Total U.S. Employment
160
Active Positions (BLS)
Highest Paying State Calculating…
Highest Employment State Calculating…
Highest Paying Metro Calculating…

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National Baseline Wage Distribution

Empirical wage tiers reported across all 50 states by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Political Scientists.

Percentile Tier Annual Base Salary
10th Percentile $72,930
25th Percentile $85,020
National Median (50th Percentile) $103,780
75th Percentile $135,600
90th Percentile $193,450
P10: $72,930 P50 (Median): $103,780 P90: $193,450
Foreign Talent Market

H-1B Visa Sponsor Compensation Benchmarks

Based on 79 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed by U.S. employers (Trailing 12 Months vs Prior 12 Months).

H-1B National Median $100,000
YoY Nominal Growth (T12M) ▲ +11.11%
Real Wage Growth (CPI-U Adj) ▲ +7.74%
H-1B Percentile Tier Sponsored Base Salary
10th Percentile $65,000
25th Percentile $79,309
H-1B Median (50th Percentile) $100,000
75th Percentile $120,000
90th Percentile $152,000
H-1B P10: $65,000 H-1B P50: $100,000 H-1B P90: $152,000
💡 Market Premium Insight: The median salary for foreign talent sponsored for Political Scientists roles ($100,000) is -3.6% lower than the broader domestic BLS national median ($103,780).