Average Political Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Political Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $153,650. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $125,110, reflecting the high concentration of government, policy, and research institutions in the region. The demand for expertise in political analysis and strategy within this hub drives these elevated compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $153,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The local job market for Political Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area appears robust, supported by a workforce of 3,910 professionals. A Location Quotient of 32.53 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for political science expertise within this specific geographic region.
Salary Overview
The average Political Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+22.8%above the national average.
$73.9
$2,955
$12,804
Political Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Political Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing demand for sophisticated political analysis, evolving policy landscapes, and the general economic expansion that often characterizes major metropolitan hubs like this one.
Political Scientists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Political Scientists typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive research, policy, or lobbying experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior roles, often seen in percentile distributions, clearly signifies substantial career progression and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $108,840 | $52.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $115,238 | $55.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $153,340 | $73.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $192,063 | $92.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Political Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$153,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$153,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $153,650 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the higher pay is offset by the cost of living in this region.
Job Market Context
3,910
Total Jobs
1.255
Per 1K Jobs
32.53
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 32.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 32.53, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area exhibits an exceptionally high concentration of Political Scientists relative to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and competitive job market, where demand for these professionals is significantly more pronounced than in most other parts of the country.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Political Scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Political Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $153,650. This typically ranges from $108,840 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 22.8% higher than the national median of $125,110.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Political Scientists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Political Scientists.The average salary of $153,650 is substantially higher than the national average, and the extremely high Location Quotient of 32.53 points to significant demand for the profession in this region.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Political Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Political Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $153,650, which is considerably higher than the national average of $125,110.
What is the concentration of Political Scientists in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 32.53, meaning there are over 32 times more Political Scientists per worker in this area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $153,650 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite the higher pay.
How many Political Scientists work in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
There are approximately 3,910 Political Scientists employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,910 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.255 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV