Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $98,070 Median
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary earned a median annual salary of $98,070 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hit $108,100, or about $47 per hour. The typical range runs from $56,450 at the 10th percentile to $174,660 at the 90th. About 16,970 people hold this job nationwide.
How much Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median salary for postsecondary political science teachers is $98,070. Half earn more than that, half less. The mean is higher at $108,100 because top earners pull the average up. Experienced professors at research universities often land near the 90th percentile ($174,660), while adjuncts or those at community colleges may start near $56,450.
- Median annual salary: $98,070
- Mean annual salary: $108,100 ($47/hour)
- 10th percentile: $56,450
- 90th percentile: $174,660
Pay by state
Where you teach matters. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts, where the average annual wage reaches $128,150. California follows at $124,890, then New Hampshire at $124,110, Montana at $109,050, and Vermont at $107,490. At the lower end, Oklahoma averages $63,400, Mississippi $59,270, and Arkansas $58,350. That's a spread of nearly $70,000 between the top and bottom states.
How to become Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Most postsecondary political science teachers hold a doctorate in political science, public administration, or a related field. A master's degree is enough for some community college roles, but a Ph.D. is standard for tenure-track positions at four-year universities. The path: earn a bachelor's in political science or a related social science, then a master's, then a Ph.D. During grad school, you'll typically work as a teaching assistant and complete a dissertation. No state license is required, but competition is stiff. Postdoctoral fellowships or visiting assistant professor roles are common stepping stones. The typical entry-level is an assistant professor position after the Ph.D.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in political science or a related field.
- Complete a master's degree in political science or public administration.
- Earn a Ph.D. in political science or a closely related discipline.
- Gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant.
- Apply for assistant professor positions; consider postdoc or visiting roles first.
Job outlook
Employment for postsecondary political science teachers is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,600 openings per year over the decade, mostly from retirements and turnover. Growth is modest, reflecting steady enrollment in political science programs but limited expansion in tenure-track lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary?
The median annual salary is $98,070, with typical earnings ranging from $56,450 (10th percentile) to $174,660 (90th percentile).
How do you become a Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary?
You typically need a Ph.D. in political science or a related field. Start with a bachelor's, then a master's, then a doctorate. Teaching assistant experience during grad school helps. Community colleges may hire with a master's.
What is the job outlook for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
Employment is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average, with around 1,600 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary data.