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Science

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Political Scientists
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Median pay

$139,380
Median annual pay for Political Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-3.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

6,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Political Scientists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Master's degree
Typical education needed to enter Political Scientists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Active Learning
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Law and Government
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Education and Training
  4. 4History and Archeology
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Communications and Media

Abilities

  1. 1Written Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Inductive Reasoning
  5. 5Speech Clarity
  6. 6Written Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Artistic
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Realistic

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Integrity
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Tolerance for Ambiguity
  6. 6Dependability

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  4. 4Processing Information
  5. 5Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Freedom to Make Decisions
  3. 3Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  4. 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Level of Competition

Representative tasks

  • Teach political science.
  • Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
  • Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
  • Advise political science students.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
  • Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
  • Identify issues for research and analysis.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandSAS · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyR · hot technologyPython · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyTableau · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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