Political Scientists Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $140,970 +1.1% vs national
Median hourly $67.78
10th percentile $77,820
90th percentile $179,700
Employed locally 100
National median $139,380

Compare Political Scientists salary & buying power

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Political Scientists
in
Seattle, WA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $77,820
    25th
    $91,150
    50th (median)
    $140,970
    75th
    $163,020
    90th
    $179,700

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Political Scientists salary vs area income 125% Median Political Scientists salary is 25% 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
    Washington $140,970
    Pennsylvania $132,640

    Nearby metros — Political Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $153,340
    Washington $140,970
    Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $79,990

    Related occupations in Seattle, WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $101,500
    Biological Technicians $58,090
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $98,950
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $99,680
    Urban and Regional Planners $103,410
    Biological Scientists, All Other $98,750

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Political Scientists make per hour in Seattle?

    The median hourly wage for Political Scientists in Seattle, WA is $67.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $108.15 or more per hour.

    Is Seattle above or below average for Political Scientists salaries?

    The median Political Scientists salary in Seattle, WA is 1.1% above 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 Seattle?

    Entry-level Political Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $77,820 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $91,150.