Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay: $98,070/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
What's the median pay for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
The median pay for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary is $98,070 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
Employment for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to change +2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
About 1,600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.