Average Political Scientists Salary in Virginia
Political Scientists in Virginia command an impressive average annual salary of $154,860, significantly outpacing the national average of $125,110. This substantial difference is largely driven by Virginia's robust demand for policy analysis and governmental affairs expertise, coupled with a highly educated workforce that commands premium compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $154,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 660 Political Scientists, Virginia demonstrates a concentrated demand for this specialized profession. The Location Quotient of 4.18 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market for individuals in this field within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Political Scientists in Virginia earns+23.8%above the national average.
$74.5
$2,978
$12,905
Political Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Political Scientists in Virginia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing complexity in policy-making, evolving geopolitical landscapes, and a sustained need for expert analysis within government and private sectors, all contributing to upward salary pressure.
Political Scientists Salary Distribution in Virginia
The career trajectory for Political Scientists in Virginia shows a clear correlation between experience and earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $87,320 | $42 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $116,145 | $55.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $163,950 | $78.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $193,575 | $93.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Political Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$154,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$152,722
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
An average annual salary of $154,860 in Virginia presents a strong financial standing, especially when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This index indicates that the cost of living is only slightly above the national average, meaning that the high nominal salary translates into excellent purchasing power and a comfortable lifestyle for Political Scientists residing in the state.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
0.161
Per 1K Jobs
4.18
Location Quotient
Virginia has 4.2x 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.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 4.18 for Political Scientists is a powerful indicator of a highly specialized and concentrated job market. This significantly above-average concentration suggests that the state is a key hub for this profession, offering abundant opportunities and a competitive environment where expertise is highly valued and sought after by employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Political Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Political Scientists make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Political Scientists in Virginia is $154,860. This typically ranges from $87,320 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 Virginia is 23.8% higher than the national median of $125,110.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Political Scientists?
Yes, Virginia is a highly lucrative state for Political Scientists.Political Scientists in Virginia earn an average of $154,860 annually, significantly above the national average, and the cost of living is only slightly higher than the national average, enhancing earning potential.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Political Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Virginia's Political Scientist salary compare to the national average?
Political Scientists in Virginia earn an average of $154,860 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $125,110.
What is the concentration of Political Scientists in Virginia?
Virginia has a Location Quotient of 4.18 for Political Scientists, indicating that the concentration of these professionals is more than four times the national average.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect a Political Scientist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia's living expenses are only slightly above the national average. This means the high average salary of $154,860 provides strong purchasing power for Political Scientists in the state.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for Political Scientists in Virginia?
The figure of 0.161 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a notable presence and demand for Political Scientists within Virginia's broader workforce, reinforcing the state's role as a significant employment center for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.161 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Political Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia