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 |
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.
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.
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:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for political scientists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 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:
- Political Science & Government
- International Relations & Security
- International Studies
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- History and Political Science
- Public Policy
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like political scientists include:
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
- Labor Relations Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Economists
- Environmental Economists
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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-3094.00