Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in California
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn a median of $124,890 a year, based on BLS data for 1,060 workers.
Pay ranges from $67,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $212,210 for the top 10%. That is 27% higher than the national median of $98,070. California ranks 2nd of 45 states for political science teachers, postsecondary pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.06 political science teachers, postsecondary per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.53). The average (mean) salary is $136,290, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for political science teachers, postsecondary in California
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $67,510 |
| 25th percentile | $100,380 |
| Median | $124,890 |
| 75th percentile | $165,810 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $212,210 |
| Average (mean) | $136,290 |
Half of political science teachers, postsecondary earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,407.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,203.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,803.46 |
| Weekly | $2,401.73 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because political science teachers, postsecondary are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $124,890 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $150,940 | 70 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $131,440 | 70 |
| Fresno, CA | $128,820 | 30 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $128,050 | 60 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $119,590 | 420 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $118,950 | 120 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $105,090 | 130 |
Highest-paying states for political science teachers, postsecondary
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $128,150 |
| California | $124,890 |
| New Hampshire | $124,110 |
| Montana | $109,050 |
| Vermont | $107,490 |
| Michigan | $107,060 |
| Maryland | $105,630 |
| New York | $104,050 |
| District of Columbia | $102,310 |
| Virginia | $101,430 |
See Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $100,690 | — |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $165,110 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,630 | $36.84 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,410 | — |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,540 | — |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,960 | — |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,490 | — |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $128,470 | — |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $107,340 | — |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,680 | — |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $129,150 | — |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $135,000 | — |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $111,850 | — |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $132,920 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-1065. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a political science teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The median salary for political science teachers, postsecondary in California is $124,890 a year. Pay ranges from $67,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $212,210 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid political science teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The top 10% of political science teachers, postsecondary in California earn at least $212,210 a year. The top 25% earn $165,810 or more.
What is the starting pay for political science teachers, postsecondary in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $67,510 a year, and a quarter of political science teachers, postsecondary earn $100,380 or less.
How many political science teachers, postsecondary work in California?
About 1,060 political science teachers, postsecondary are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.