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.
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
SOC: 25-1065 O*NET: 25-1065.00
Median Salary
$94,680
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$50,490
10th percentile
Early Career
$65,330
25th percentile
Median
$94,680
50th percentile
Experienced
$127,480
75th percentile
Top Earners
$173,380
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$50,490
25th
$65,330
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$94,680
Mean: $105,160
75th
$127,480
90th
$173,380
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $122,890 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $65,330 and $127,480
- •Salary spread is 65.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 17,170 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:21,800
Top Industries
Educational Services40.9%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools40.8%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2%
Annual Openings:1,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)21,800
Current
2034 (Projected)22,200
+2%
+400
Employment Change
+2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 45 locations
Texas
2,020 jobs$98,7901.31x
New York
1,460 jobs$121,6001.37x
District of Columbia
1,340 jobs$100,07016.98x
California
990 jobs$124,7800.49x
Massachusetts
810 jobs$103,9102.00x
Pennsylvania
810 jobs$93,0101.21x
Virginia
790 jobs$97,9701.75x
Indiana
680 jobs$81,4401.91x
New Jersey
570 jobs$98,2801.20x
Florida
520 jobs$58,6900.48x
North Carolina
510 jobs$80,7700.93x
Georgia
470 jobs$79,3000.86x
Illinois
440 jobs$96,3500.66x
Ohio
410 jobs$76,6100.66x
Washington
390 jobs$82,9901.00x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Active Learning
86%
#4
Writing
80%
#5
Active Listening
74%
#6
Instructing
66%
#7
Learning Strategies
60%
#8
Critical Thinking
54%
#9
Complex Problem Solving
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Active Learning
intermediate4.3
86%
Writing
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Listening
intermediate3.7
74%
Instructing
intermediate3.3
66%
Learning Strategies
intermediate3.0
60%
Critical Thinking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Instructing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Learning Strategies
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary100%
5 shared skills
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary100%
5 shared skills
Law Teachers, Postsecondary100%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Anthropologists and Archeologists82%
5 shared skills
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
Learn on the Job:
- →Instructing
- →Learning Strategies
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Writing
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Writing
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Active Learning
- ★Active Listening
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
C
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechR
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Docs
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
C
Microsoft Outlook
R
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Google Docs
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (2)Management & Supervision (1)Communication & Coordination (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as classical political thought, international relations, and democracy and citizenship.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary professionals typically have a SIA Holland code and highly value working conditions
SSocial
IInvestigative
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Independence
CriticalIndependence
Importance Level4.71
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.62
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.53
Achievement/Effort
CriticalAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.50
Persistence
CriticalPersistence
Importance Level4.50
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.47
Complete Work Styles Profile
Independence
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.5
Achievement/Effort
4.5
Persistence
4.5
Initiative
4.5
Integrity
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.3
Innovation
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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