Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
The median political science teachers, postsecondary salary in the United States is $98,070 per year. Salaries range from $56,450 at the entry level to $174,660+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 16,970 political science teachers, postsecondary jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 2% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$98,070
per year
Employment
16,970
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$56,450
25th percentile
$73,260
Median
$98,070
75th percentile
$129,130
90th percentile
$174,660
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+2%
As fast as average
Annual Openings
1,600
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$58K$128K■ No data
Top Paying States
Massachusetts
$128K
+31%
California
$125K
+27%
New Hampshire
$124K
+27%
Montana
$109K
+11%
Vermont
$107K
+10%
Michigan
$107K
+9%
Maryland
$106K
+8%
New York
$104K
+6%
District of Columbia
$102K
+4%
Virginia
$101K
+3%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $128,150 | +30.7% |
| California | $124,890 | +27.3% |
| New Hampshire | $124,110 | +26.6% |
| Montana | $109,050 | +11.2% |
| Vermont | $107,490 | +9.6% |
| Michigan | $107,060 | +9.2% |
| Maryland | $105,630 | +7.7% |
| New York | $104,050 | +6.1% |
| District of Columbia | $102,310 | +4.3% |
| Virginia | $101,430 | +3.4% |
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Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $150,940 | +53.9% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $137,430 | +40.1% |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $131,690 | +34.3% |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $131,440 | +34.0% |
| Fresno, CA | $128,820 | +31.4% |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $128,050 | +30.6% |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $126,240 | +28.7% |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $121,300 | +23.7% |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $119,590 | +21.9% |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $118,950 | +21.3% |
Showing 1–10 of 65
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A political science teachers, postsecondary earning $98,070/year would need 608 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 653 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how political science teachers, postsecondary salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary trend (2011–2024) →