How much does a political scientist make in Washington?
$147,100a year
Median yearly pay for political scientists in Washington. That is $70.70 an hour or $12,260 a month.
- Hourly
- $70.70
- Vs. national median
- +4%
- Rank among states
- 3 of 13
- Jobs in the state
- 110
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $81,310Median: $147,100Highest 10%: $215,000
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $81,310 | $39.09 | |
| 25th | $95,240 | $45.79 | |
| Median | $147,100 | $70.70 | |
| 75th | $193,500 | $93.00 | |
| 90th | $215,000 | $103.35 |
Cities in Washington
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Seattle, WA | $154,000 |
Nearby in the ranking
States with similar pay for political scientists.
| 1. Maryland | $153,400 |
| 2. District of Columbia | $152,500 |
| 3. Washington | $147,100 |
| 4. Pennsylvania | $140,000 |
| 5. Massachusetts | $133,900 |
| 6. Colorado | $127,300 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a political scientist make an hour in Washington?
The median hourly pay in Washington is $70.70 ($147,100 a year).
Do political scientists make more in Washington than the national average?
Yes: $147,100 against $142,100 nationally, 4% more.
Where does Washington rank for political scientist pay?
Washington ranks 3 of 13 states.
Which city in Washington pays political scientists the most?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, with a median of $154,000 a year.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.