Political Scientists Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $104,990 -24.7% vs national
Median hourly $50.48
10th percentile $65,590
90th percentile $210,550
Employed locally 30
National median $139,380

Compare Political Scientists salary & buying power

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Political Scientists
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Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $65,590
    25th
    $65,590
    50th (median)
    $104,990
    75th
    $164,630
    90th
    $210,550

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 2023 • Census ACS
    Political Scientists salary vs area income 118% Median Political Scientists salary is 18% 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
    Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $76,780

    Related occupations in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $100,960
    Chemists $76,620
    Biochemists and Biophysicists $110,460
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $85,820
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $106,330
    Biological Technicians $56,660

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Political Scientists make per hour in Philadelphia?

    The median hourly wage for Political Scientists in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $50.48, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $101.23 or more per hour.

    Is Philadelphia above or below average for Political Scientists salaries?

    The median Political Scientists salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 24.7% 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 Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Political Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $65,590 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $65,590.