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Average Political Scientists Salary in District of Columbia

Political Scientists in the District of Columbia command an impressive average annual salary of $152,440, significantly surpassing the national average of $125,110. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique concentration of governmental, policy-making, and international organizations within the nation's capital, creating a high demand for specialized expertise.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $152,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
  • Outlook: The District of Columbia boasts a robust job market for Political Scientists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 3,250 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 118.81, the concentration of these professionals is notably higher than the national average, indicating strong and sustained demand for their analytical and advisory skills within this key metropolitan area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$152,440

The average Political Scientists in District of Columbia earns+21.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$73.3

Weekly

$2,932

Monthly

$12,703

Political Scientists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia

The salary trajectory for Political Scientists in the District of Columbia demonstrates a clear progression with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation underscores the value placed on accumulated expertise and demonstrated impact in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$110,590$53.2
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$114,330$55
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$153,320$73.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$190,550$91.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$191,880$92.3

Detailed Political Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$152,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$102,515

Adjusted for COL (148.7)

While the average annual salary of $152,440 for Political Scientists in the District of Columbia is substantial, it's crucial to consider the local cost of living. With an index of 148.7, significantly above the national average of 100, the purchasing power of this salary is moderated. Prospective and current residents should factor in higher expenses for housing, transportation, and daily necessities when evaluating their overall financial well-being.

Job Market Context

3,250

Total Jobs

4.583

Per 1K Jobs

118.81

Location Quotient

Major Hub

District of Columbia has 118.8x the national concentration of Political Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 118.81 for Political Scientists in the District of Columbia signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, with numerous opportunities available due to the high demand from government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups, but also a larger pool of qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Political Scientistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Political Scientists make in District of Columbia?

The median annual salary for a Political Scientists in District of Columbia is $152,440. This typically ranges from $110,590 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 21.8% higher than the national median of $125,110.

Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Political Scientists?

Yes, the District of Columbia is a highly lucrative place for Political Scientists.Political Scientists in DC earn significantly above the national average salary, and the high concentration of relevant organizations indicates strong demand for their skills.

Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Political Scientists?

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

How does the Political Scientist salary in DC compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Political Scientists in the District of Columbia is $152,440, which is considerably higher than the national average of $125,110.

What is the concentration of Political Scientists in the District of Columbia?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 118.81, indicating that Political Scientists are about 18.81% more concentrated in the District of Columbia than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the Political Scientist salary in DC?

The high cost of living in the District of Columbia (Index 148.7) means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power may be less than in areas with a lower cost of living.

What is the total number of Political Scientists working in the District of Columbia?

There are approximately 3,250 Political Scientists employed within the District of Columbia.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,250 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 4.583 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Political Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia