The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median annual earnings for political scientists were $122,220 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned $60,960 or less and the top 10 percent earned $164,210 or more. Median annual salaries for political scientists who worked for the federal government were $127,500. Political scientists who worked for scientific research and development services firms averaged $128,720 per year, while those who worked for advertising and public relations firms made $134,760 per year. College political science teachers had mean annual earnings of $85,930.
Employers offer a variety of benefit packages, which can include any of the following: paid holidays, vacations, and sick days; personal days; medical, dental, and life insurance; profit-sharing plans; 401(k) plans; retirement and pension plans; and educational assistance programs.
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