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Average Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in California

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California command an impressive average annual salary of $130,220, substantially exceeding the national average of $109,190. This elevated compensation is likely driven by California's robust higher education system and the high demand for specialized academic professionals within the state's dynamic economy.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $130,220 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,960.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 990, the market for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California, while not exceptionally large, indicates a stable presence. The Location Quotient of 0.49 suggests a concentration below the national average, implying that while opportunities exist, the field is not oversaturated, pointing to a potentially steady demand for qualified educators.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$130,220

The average Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California earns+19.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$62.6

Weekly

$2,504

Monthly

$10,852

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Distribution in California

Career progression for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive research, publication, and teaching experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their expertise and contribution to academic institutions.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$62,780$30.2
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$97,665$47
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$124,780$60
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$162,775$78.3
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$208,960$100.5

Detailed Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$130,220

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$94,022

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average annual salary of $130,220 in California presents a mixed financial picture when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While the nominal salary is high, the elevated cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary may be closer to, or even slightly below, what a similar salary would offer in a more affordable region, requiring careful financial planning.

Job Market Context

990

Total Jobs

0.055

Per 1K Jobs

0.49

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.49x, California has a notably lower concentration of Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.49 indicates that Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary are less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the state has a notable presence of these professionals, the job market may be less competitive than in regions with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for those seeking positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Political Science Teachers, Postsecondarys?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary make in California?

The median annual salary for a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California is $130,220. This typically ranges from $62,780 for entry-level positions to $208,960 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 19.3% higher than the national median of $109,190.

Is California a lucrative place for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondarys?

Yes, California is a lucrative place for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondarys.The average annual salary of $130,220 significantly surpasses the national average, indicating strong earning potential despite a higher cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondarys?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn an average of $130,220 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $109,190.

What is the concentration of Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.49, meaning these professionals are less concentrated in California than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means the high nominal salary of $130,220 may have reduced purchasing power compared to more affordable states.

What does the job market size suggest for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California?

The local workforce of 990 indicates a moderate-sized market. Combined with a Location Quotient below 1.0, it suggests a stable but not overly saturated job market for these educators.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 990 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.055 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California