Political Scientist Salary in Oregon (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Political Scientists in Oregon, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Oregon Median
$119,460
per year
Hourly Rate
$57.43
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-16% vs US median
US median $142,080
State Rank
#7 of 13
state estimate

How much does a Political Scientist make in Oregon?

A Political Scientist working in Oregon earns a median salary of $119,460 per year, or about $57.43 per hour. That is 16% below the national median of $142,080 for this occupation.

Within Oregon, entry-level pay starts around $107,230 while the top 10% make $119,460 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $113,550 and $119,460 a year.

Political Scientist salary range in Oregon

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$107,230$51.55
25th percentile (early career)$113,550$54.59
50th percentile (median)$119,460$57.43
75th percentile (experienced)$119,460$57.43
90th percentile (top earners)$119,460$57.43

How Oregon compares

Oregon ranks 7th out of 13 states and territories for Political Scientist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Maryland$153,380
2District of Columbia$152,530
3Washington$147,060
4Pennsylvania$140,020
5Massachusetts$133,930

Working as a Political Scientist in Oregon

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 Oregon pay ($119,460) 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

How much does a Political Scientist make in Oregon?
The median Political Scientist salary in Oregon is $119,460 per year, or about $57.43 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $107,230 at the entry level to $119,460 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Oregon pay compare to the national average?
Oregon pays Political Scientists about 16% less than the national median of $142,080. Oregon ranks 7th out of 13 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Oregon a good state for Political Scientists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $119,460 a year. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Oregon?
The highest-paying occupations in Oregon include Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($395,340), Physician, All Other ($347,180), Chief Executive ($341,630), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Political Scientist salary report

Related salaries

Epidemiologist

$87,220
median pay · 12,000 employed

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

$100,580
median pay · 76,000 employed

Life Scientist, All Other

$93,750
median pay · 7,000 employed

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other

$101,110
median pay · 37,000 employed

Astronomer

$128,820
median pay · 2,000 employed

Biological Scientist, All Other

$98,920
median pay · 56,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.