How much does a Political Scientist make in Illinois?
A Political Scientist working in Illinois earns a median salary of $103,780 per year, or about $49.89 per hour. That is 27% below the national median of $142,080 for this occupation.
Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $71,990 while the top 10% make $127,190 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $85,570 and $117,590 a year.
Political Scientist salary range in Illinois
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $71,990 | $34.61 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $85,570 | $41.14 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $103,780 | $49.89 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $117,590 | $56.53 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,190 | $61.15 |
How Illinois compares
Illinois ranks 11th out of 13 states and territories for Political Scientist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $153,380 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $152,530 |
| 3 | Washington | $147,060 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | $140,020 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $133,930 |
Political Scientist salary in other states
Working as a Political Scientist in Illinois
Nationally, about 6,000 people work as Political Scientists in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.
Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($103,780) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
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← See the national Political Scientist salary report