Political Scientists salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
SOC 19-3094 · BLS OEWS May 2025
Median
$156,730
per year in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Middle half
$128,610–$185,220
25th to 75th percentile
Employed
3,700
in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Concentration
33.11×
share of workforce vs. U.S.
How local pay compares
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$156,730
published median
United States
$142,080
10.3% above the national median
Rank among metro areas
1st
7 with a published estimate
State-level comparison: District of Columbia ($152,530) and Maryland ($153,380). Metro estimates cover the whole labor market, including portions that cross state lines.
After local prices: the $156,730 median has purchasing power comparable to about $143,942 nationally. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV's BEA regional price parity is 108.9 (2024).
What the local range looks like
The wash spans the 10th to 90th percentile, the darker section is the middle half, and the tick is the median for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
$118,290$195,190
Getting in
- Typical education to enter
- Master's degree
- Related work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
Ready to look for an opening?
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