Median Pay for Political Science Jobs: Salary Overview

The median pay for political science jobs can vary widely based on factors such as job role, level of education, location, and years of experience. Political science graduates can pursue a range of career paths in government, public administration, international relations, advocacy, research, and more. Here is an overview of median pay for some common political science-related jobs:

1. Political Scientist:

• Median Pay (2023): $125,350 per year
• Political scientists study political systems, conduct research, analyze government policies, and provide insights on political trends and issues.

2. Public Relations Specialist:

• Median Pay (2023): $62,810 per year
• Public relations specialists manage communication between an organization and the public, including crafting media releases, developing communication strategies, and managing social media.

3. Legislative Assistant:

• Median Pay (2023): $59,810 per year
• Legislative assistants work for lawmakers, helping them draft legislation, analyze policy proposals, and manage constituent inquiries.

4. Policy Analyst:

• Median Pay (2023): $59,810 per year
• Policy analysts research and evaluate public policies, make recommendations, and analyze the potential impact of proposed policies.

5. International Relations Specialist:

• Median Pay (2023): $80,100 per year
• International relations specialists focus on global issues, diplomacy, and international cooperation. They may work for government agencies, nonprofits, or international organizations.

6. Campaign Manager:

• Median Pay (2023): $104,140 per year
• Campaign managers coordinate political campaigns, including developing strategies, managing resources, and organizing campaign events.

7. Nonprofit Program Coordinator:

• Median Pay (2023): $50,950 per year
• Nonprofit program coordinators oversee the implementation of programs, manage budgets, and coordinate activities to achieve the organization's mission.

8. Government Affairs Specialist:

• Median Pay (2023): $67,390 per year
• Government affairs specialists advocate for organizations' interests with government officials and policymakers. They monitor legislation, build relationships, and engage in advocacy efforts.

9. Intelligence Analyst:

• Median Pay (2023): $82,180 per year
• Intelligence analysts work in government agencies or private organizations to gather and analyze information related to national security and geopolitical issues.

It's important to note that these figures represent median pay, which means that half of the individuals in these positions earn more than the median, and half earn less. Additionally, salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location (e.g., metropolitan areas often offer higher salaries), education level (graduate degrees may lead to higher-paying roles), and years of experience.

Keep in mind that this information is based on data available as of 2023, and actual salaries may have changed since then. When considering a career in political science, it's advisable to research specific job roles, industries, and regions to get a more accurate understanding of potential earnings.