Political Scientists Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$139,380
↑ 34.2% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Political Scientists — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Political Scientists — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 34.2% since 2011 ($103,860 → $139,380)
🏆Peak year: 2024 at $139,380
🦠COVID impact: Salary rose 2.6% from 2019 to 2020, likely reflecting workforce composition changes.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -9%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $139,380 | +5.3% |
| 2023 | $132,350 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $128,020 | +4.5% |
| 2021 | $122,510 | -2.3% |
| 2020 | $125,350 | +2.6% |
| 2019 | $122,220 | +4.0% |
| 2018 | $117,570 | +2.1% |
| 2017 | $115,110 | +0.7% |
| 2016 | $114,290 | +14.6% |
| 2015 | $99,730 | -4.9% |
| 2014 | $104,920 | +4.0% |
| 2013 | $100,920 | -1.1% |
| 2012 | $102,000 | -1.8% |
| 2011 | $103,860 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.