SalaryNode

Average Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in District of Columbia

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in the District of Columbia earn an average annual salary of $98,550, which is notably below the national average of $109,190. This disparity is often influenced by the unique economic landscape and demand drivers within the nation's capital, where specialized roles can command different compensation structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $98,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $160,190.
  • Outlook: The job market for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in the District of Columbia appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 1,340 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 16.98 suggests a significant concentration of these professionals relative to the national average, pointing towards a strong and established demand for their expertise within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$98,550

The average Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in District of Columbia earns-9.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47.4

Weekly

$1,895

Monthly

$8,213

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

Salary progression for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in the District of Columbia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned educators with extensive research, publication, and teaching records can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$50,070$24.1
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$73,913$35.5
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$100,070$48.1
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$123,188$59.2
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$160,190$77

Detailed Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$98,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$66,274

Adjusted for COL (148.7)

The nominal average salary of $98,550 in the District of Columbia must be considered alongside its high Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that while the gross income is substantial, the purchasing power is significantly reduced compared to national averages, requiring careful financial planning for individuals relocating to or residing in the area.

Job Market Context

1,340

Total Jobs

1.89

Per 1K Jobs

16.98

Location Quotient

Major Hub

District of Columbia has 17.0x the national concentration of Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 16.98 for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in the District of Columbia indicates an exceptionally high concentration of these professionals compared to the national benchmark. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where institutions actively seek out and retain talent in this field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Comparing salaries near District of Columbia

Hiring Political Science Teachers, Postsecondarys?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary make in District of Columbia?

The median annual salary for a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in District of Columbia is $98,550. This typically ranges from $50,070 for entry-level positions to $160,190 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 9.7% lower than the national median of $109,190.

Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondarys?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $98,550 is below the national average, the high concentration of these roles (LQ 16.98) and a substantial local workforce suggest strong demand. However, the high cost of living necessitates careful financial consideration.

Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondarys?

The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($114,830) and others.

How does the District of Columbia's salary for Political Science Teachers compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in the District of Columbia is $98,550, which is approximately $10,640 less than the national average of $109,190.

What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 16.98 signify for this role in DC?

An LQ of 16.98 means that Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary are employed in the District of Columbia at a rate 16.98 times higher than the national average, indicating a very strong regional concentration and demand.

How does the Cost of Living in the District of Columbia impact the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, significantly above the national average of 100, the $98,550 salary in DC offers less purchasing power than it would in a more affordable region, making the effective 'take-home' value lower.

What is the total number of Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in the District of Columbia?

There are approximately 1,340 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary employed in the District of Columbia, contributing to the significant local workforce in this specialized field.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 1.89 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.