SALARY GUIDE

Unlock Your Earning Potential as a Political Scientist

From academia to policy consulting, discover salary benchmarks and growth opportunities across the globe.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$55,000 – $65,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$80,000 – $95,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$110,000 – $130,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$150,000+
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$85,000
CanadaC$78,000
United Kingdom£55,000
AustraliaA$90,000
Germany€70,000
India₹1,200,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$60k$80k$100k$120kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Government & Public Administration$88,000
Academic & Research Institutions$78,000
Think Tanks & Policy Institutes$92,000
International NGOs$85,000
Consulting & Private Advisory$100,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

International Relations
$92,000
Average annual salary
Comparative Politics
$84,000
Average annual salary
Public Policy Analysis
$95,000
Average annual salary
Political Theory
$78,000
Average annual salary
Electoral Studies
$88,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Highest degree earned (PhD vs. MA)
  • Years of relevant experience
  • Geographic location and cost of living
  • Sector (public, private, nonprofit)
  • Research publications and grant funding
  • Professional network and reputation

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

Certified Political Analyst (CPA)
5% increase
Salary increase potential
Project Management Professional (PMP)
3% increase
Salary increase potential
Data Analysis Certificate (e.g., Python/R)
4% increase
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
United States
Fastest Growing
India
Most Stable
United Kingdom
Job Market Outlook

The demand for political scientists is expected to grow modestly (≈6% through 2030) as governments and organizations seek data‑driven policy analysis, especially in emerging markets and on global issues such as climate change and security.

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