Political scientists
SOC Code: 19-3094
Political scientists carries a 30% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $139,380 and -3.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 6,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 30% AI exposure, Political scientists sits 7 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 30% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Political scientists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Political scientists has ai exposure of 30%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Political scientists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Political scientists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Political scientists (SOC 19-3094) carries an AI exposure score of 30%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 6,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.1% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $139,380, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Political scientists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Teach political science.
- 2. Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- 3. Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- 4. Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- 5. Advise political science students.
- 6. Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
- 7. Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
- 8. Identify issues for research and analysis.
- 9. Serve on committees.
- 10. Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge Areas
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Education and Training
- History and Archeology
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Geography
- Philosophy and Theology
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Political scientists?
Political scientists has an AI exposure score of 30%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Political scientists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Political scientists is projected to decline by 3.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 6,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Political scientists?
Key skills for Political scientists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Political scientists earn?
The median annual wage for Political scientists is $139,380, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Political scientists?
The typical entry-level education for Political scientists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Political scientists?
Political scientists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).