Also called: Political Researcher
Studies how governments, elections, and political behavior work, often advising policymakers.
Political scientists analyze voting data, study why some countries become democracies, or forecast elections. Outside universities they work at think tanks, government agencies, and polling firms. Their research shows up in news analysis and policy debates.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 8 years after high school. Master's or PhD in political science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Political Science, Statistics, Economics, History.
Shrinking (about -3% over 10 years). BLS political scientists 2024-34 projects a decline (small occupation).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI codes surveys and summarizes literature fast; designing studies, fieldwork and teaching hold up, but junior research roles thin out.
Classes: AP Government, AP Statistics, Debate team.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3094.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.