Political Scientists Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $98,300 -29.5% vs national
Median hourly $47.26
10th percentile $67,560
90th percentile $136,970
Employed locally 90
National median $139,380

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Political Scientists
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $67,560
    25th
    $81,900
    50th (median)
    $98,300
    75th
    $98,300
    90th
    $136,970

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Political Scientists salary vs area income 111% Median Political Scientists salary is 11% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Political Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Virginia $163,950
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $153,340
    District of Columbia $153,320
    Maryland $148,680
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $140,970
    Washington $140,970

    Nearby metros — Political Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $104,990
    Illinois $98,300

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $78,560
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $98,240
    Chemists $100,720
    School Psychologists $80,600
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $98,780
    Physicists $131,260

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Political Scientists make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Political Scientists in Chicago, IL-IN is $47.26, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $68.81 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Political Scientists salaries?

    The median Political Scientists salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 29.5% below the national median of $139,380. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Political Scientists in Chicago?

    Entry-level Political Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $67,560 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $81,900.