Political Scientists Salary in Detroit, MI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Median annual salary $79,990 -42.6% vs national
Median hourly $38.46
10th percentile $65,220
90th percentile $103,810
National median $139,380

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Political Scientists
in
Detroit, MI
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $65,220
    25th
    $79,990
    50th (median)
    $79,990
    75th
    $102,990
    90th
    $103,810

    Detroit economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $75,123 2023 • Census ACS
    Political Scientists salary vs area income 106% Median Political Scientists salary is 6% 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
    Michigan $125,750
    Ann Arbor, MI $105,300
    Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $104,990
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $76,780

    Related occupations in Detroit, MI

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $81,300
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $80,250
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $82,080
    Chemists $79,220
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $75,200
    Chemical Technicians $48,790

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Political Scientists make per hour in Detroit?

    The median hourly wage for Political Scientists in Detroit, MI is $38.46, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $49.91 or more per hour.

    Is Detroit above or below average for Political Scientists salaries?

    The median Political Scientists salary in Detroit, MI is 42.6% 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 Detroit?

    Entry-level Political Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $65,220 per year in Detroit, MI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $79,990.