How much does a Political Scientist make in Massachusetts?
Political Scientists in Massachusetts take home a median of $133,930 annually — roughly $64.39 an hour — which runs 6% below the national median of $142,080.
Within Massachusetts, entry-level pay starts around $76,010 while the top 10% make $217,820 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $106,960 and $170,110 a year.
Political Scientist salary range in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,010 | $36.54 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $106,960 | $51.42 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $133,930 | $64.39 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $170,110 | $81.78 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $217,820 | $104.72 |
How Massachusetts compares
Massachusetts ranks 5th 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 Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts pay ($133,930) 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