How much does a political science teacher make?
The median political science teacher in the United States earns $98,070 per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all political science teachers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 25-1065.
Political science teacher salary range
Pay for political science teachers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $56,450 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $174,660. The average (mean) wage of $108,100 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,450 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $73,260 | |
| Median (50th) | $98,070 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $129,130 | |
| 90th percentile | $174,660 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for political science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1065), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Political science teacher salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Political science teachers earn the most in Massachusetts at $128,150 a year, and the least in Arkansas at $58,350. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $128,150 | 920 |
| California | $124,890 | 1,060 |
| New Hampshire | $124,110 | 90 |
| Montana | $109,050 | N/A |
| Vermont | $107,490 | 80 |
| Michigan | $107,060 | 380 |
| Maryland | $105,630 | 370 |
| New York | $104,050 | 1,460 |
| District of Columbia | $102,310 | 1,120 |
| Virginia | $101,430 | 830 |
| Rhode Island | $101,320 | 170 |
| Washington | $101,140 | 450 |
| Illinois | $100,700 | 460 |
| New Jersey | $100,260 | 650 |
| Connecticut | $100,230 | 320 |
| Arizona | $99,910 | 190 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,230 | 660 |
| Minnesota | $97,170 | 250 |
| Maine | $96,760 | 60 |
| Missouri | $94,500 | 280 |
| Nevada | $93,300 | 70 |
| Louisiana | $88,090 | 70 |
| Texas | $86,950 | 1,890 |
| Nebraska | $86,380 | 50 |
| Wyoming | $84,750 | 40 |
| Indiana | $83,770 | 630 |
| Oregon | $83,580 | 540 |
| Wisconsin | $83,190 | 290 |
| Tennessee | $81,330 | 250 |
| New Mexico | $80,640 | 40 |
| Utah | $80,610 | 70 |
| Iowa | $80,160 | 100 |
| Ohio | $80,090 | 460 |
| Georgia | $79,870 | 470 |
| Kansas | $78,800 | 80 |
| North Carolina | $78,760 | 440 |
| Kentucky | $78,670 | 140 |
| South Carolina | $78,650 | 210 |
| Alabama | $77,860 | 180 |
| Florida | $77,860 | 270 |
| West Virginia | $77,420 | 70 |
| South Dakota | $72,580 | 30 |
| Oklahoma | $63,400 | 90 |
| Mississippi | $59,270 | 90 |
| Arkansas | $58,350 | 80 |
State median wages for political science teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1065), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for political science teachers
The BLS projects employment of political science teachers to grow 2.5% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 21,500 jobs in 2025 moving toward 22,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,500 openings a year for political science teachers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a political science teacher
The typical entry-level education for political science teachers is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a political science teacher earns
District budget, level taught, degree, and region drive pay, along with years of service on a step-and-lane salary schedule. High cost metros and senior educators land near the top.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Massachusetts, $128,150) and the lowest (Arkansas, $58,350) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 16,970 people work as political science teachers in the United States. At $98,070 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Political science teacher salary FAQ
How much does a political science teacher make an hour?
Political science teachers are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $98,070.
What is the highest political science teacher salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of political science teachers earn more than $174,660 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a political science teacher make a year?
The median annual salary for a political science teacher is $98,070. The average (mean) wage of $108,100 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a political science teacher a well paid job?
At $98,070 a year, a political science teacher earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 16,970 people work as political science teachers in the United States.
Which state pays political science teachers the most?
Massachusetts has the highest median salary for political science teachers at $128,150 a year. California ($124,890) and New Hampshire ($124,110) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a political science teacher a good career?
Employment of political science teachers is projected to grow 2.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,500 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a political science teacher?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for political science teachers as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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