Sociology Professor
Teach how societies, groups and institutions shape people’s lives.
- $84,290
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Education & Childcare career
Political Science Professor
Also called: Government Professor · Political Science Faculty · International Relations Professor · Public Policy Professor
What political science professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a political science professor do?
Political science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in political science, government and international relations at colleges and universities. The median pay is $98,070 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$98,070Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+2.5%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs21,500Employment, 2025
What political science professors do
Political science professors teach how power and policy work. They teach American government, comparative politics, international relations and political theory, analyze elections and public opinion, research policy, publish findings and often comment in the media.
Most hold a Ph.D. in political science.
Typical duties
- Teach government and politics courses
- Conduct research
- Analyze data on elections and policy
- Publish research
- Mentor students
- Advise pre-law students
- Engage with media and public
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms and offices at colleges and universities.
Schedule: Teaching, research and service; election seasons can be busy.
A day in the life
- Teach American government.
- Hold office hours.
- Analyze survey data.
- Teach international relations.
See a full day in the life of a political science professor →
Political Science Professor salary
Half of political science professors earned more than $98,070 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $56,450 for the lowest 10% to $174,660 for the top 10%.
Full political science professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a political science professor
- Earn a bachelor’s
- Do research
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Publish
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in political science is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a political science professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Political theory
- Research methods
- Statistics
- Policy analysis
- Writing
People skills
- Facilitation
- Neutrality
- Communication
- Critical thinking
All political science professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Timely, engaging subjects
- Media and policy influence
- Research freedom
- Flexible schedule
Cons
- Competitive job market
- Polarized classroom debates
- Publication pressure
- Long training
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in political science: Doctoral degree.
- Research grants: NSF and foundations.
- Teaching certificate: Optional.
- Policy fellowships: Government experience.
Career path
- Graduate Instructor: Train.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Chair: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Political Science Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a model UN simulation and keep political discussions civil, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Political Science Professor vs. Sociology Professor · Political Science Professor vs. Law Professor · Political Science Professor vs. Economics Professor · Political Science Professor vs. History Professor
Political Science Professor FAQ
Do political science professors need a Ph.D.?
Usually.
Do they work with media?
Many comment on politics and policy.
Do they advise pre-law students?
Often.
How much does a political science professor make?
The median annual wage for political science professors was $98,070 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $56,450 and the highest 10% earned more than $174,660.
How long does it take to become a political science professor?
Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in political science is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a political science professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree.
More political science professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1065 (Political science teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Political science teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.