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Political Scientists in Illinois

Political Scientists in Illinois

Considering working as a Political Scientists in Illinois? Below are the key facts. Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents. Excludes “Survey Researchers” (19-3022).

What do Political Scientists Make in Illinois?

The political scientists working in Illinois, the median annual wage is $98,300 per year (or roughly $47.26/hour).Pay can range from $71,990 at the 10th percentile to $136,970 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic Annual Hourly
10th percentile $71,990 $34.61
25th percentile $81,900 $39.38
Median (50th) $98,300 $47.26
75th percentile $110,390 $53.07
90th percentile $136,970 $65.85
Salary ranges for Political Scientists in Illinois

The job concentration index in Illinois compared to the national average — is 0.47, meaning fewer political scientists per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, political scientists earn a median of $71,521 per year ($34.39/hour), higher than the Illinois median.

Political Scientists earnings in Illinois vs. the national average

Employment Outlook

National employment for 192,429 political scientists nationwide. In Illinois alone, approximately 110 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 120 political scientists.

Political Scientists in Illinois vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for Political Scientists

Top Illinois Metros for Political Scientists

The largest metro-area employers of political scientists in Illinois.

Metro Area Number Employed Annual Median Salary
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 90 $98,300

Top States for Political Scientists Employment

The table below shows the states where the most political scientists work.

State Number Employed
District of Columbia 3,250
Virginia 660
New York 210
Florida 210
Texas 170
Washington 140
Maryland 130
Michigan 120
Illinois 110
Pennsylvania 90
New Jersey 70
California 50
Ohio 50
Arizona 40
Georgia 30

Highest-Paying States for Political Scientists

The highest-paying states for political scientists.

State Annual Median Salary
Virginia $163,950
District of Columbia $153,320
Maryland $148,680
Washington $140,970
Pennsylvania $132,640
California $130,630
Massachusetts $130,580
Michigan $125,750
Texas $111,720
Arizona $104,100

Skills

Key political scientists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Reading Comprehension  4.2 / 5
0
5
Active Learning  4.1 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  4.1 / 5
0
5
Speaking  4.1 / 5
0
5
Writing  4.0 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  4.0 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Law and Government  4.7 / 5
0
5
English Language  4.4 / 5
0
5
Education and Training  4.3 / 5
0
5
History and Archeology  3.4 / 5
0
5
Mathematics  3.4 / 5
0
5
Communications and Media  3.3 / 5
0
5

Abilities

The abilities that matter most for political scientists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Written Comprehension  4.6 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  4.1 / 5
0
5
Oral Expression  4.1 / 5
0
5
Written Expression  4.0 / 5
0
5
Speech Clarity  4.0 / 5
0
5
Inductive Reasoning  4.0 / 5
0
5

Daily Tasks

Political Scientists typically:

  • Teach political science.
  • Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
  • Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
  • Advise political science students.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
  • Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
  • Identify issues for research and analysis.
  • Serve on committees.
  • Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
  • Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.
  • Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.

Work Activities

  • Analyzing Data or Information
  • Getting Information
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Processing Information
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Training and Teaching Others
  • Thinking Creatively
  • Working with Computers
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Tools & Technology

Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Adobe Acrobat, IBM SPSS Statistics In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Related college programs include:

Other careers like political scientists include:

Also Known As

Citizen Participation Specialist, Government Affairs Researcher, Government Affairs Specialist, Health Policy Analyst, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Legislative Analyst, Legislative Liaison, Legislative Policy Analyst, Local Governance Specialist, Medical Policy Analyst, Policy Advisor, Policy Analyst, Policy Associate, Policy Officer, Policy Specialist.

References

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