How much does a Political Scientist make in Pennsylvania?
Political Scientists in Pennsylvania take home a median of $140,020 annually — roughly $67.32 an hour — which runs 1% below the national median of $142,080.
Within Pennsylvania, entry-level pay starts around $70,450 while the top 10% make $203,130 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $89,750 and $169,580 a year.
Political Scientist salary range in Pennsylvania
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $70,450 | $33.87 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $89,750 | $43.15 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $140,020 | $67.32 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $169,580 | $81.53 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $203,130 | $97.66 |
How Pennsylvania compares
Pennsylvania ranks 4th 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 Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania pay ($140,020) 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 Pennsylvania?
How does Pennsylvania pay compare to the national average?
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Political Scientists?
What are the highest-paying jobs in Pennsylvania?
← See the national Political Scientist salary report