Jobs / Science and research / 19-3094.00
Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
- US jobs
- 5,540
- Median wage
- $142,080 a year
- Job family
- Science and research
Can agents do the work of political scientists?
We read the evidence for the whole job family, Science and research: Some tasks (no change in 12 months)
Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.
Evidence: CORE-Bench, declared solved.
0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.
- 9%Teach academic or vocational subjectsNot measured
- 9%Develop scientific or mathematical theories or modelsNot measured
- 9%Maintain current knowledge in area of expertiseNot measured
- 9%Present research or technical informationNot measured
- 8%Advise others on educational or vocational mattersNot measured
- 8%Analyze data to improve operationsNot measured
- 8%Advise others on legal or regulatory mattersNot measured
- 8%Research historical or social issuesNot measured
Benchmarks for the job family
These cover work in science and research, not always this occupation's tasks.
Direct evidence
Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.
- 95.5%Claude Code + Claude Opus 4.5 (after manual regrading) · 3 Dec 2025Solved
Also relevant
These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.
- 64.8%Claude Code + Opus 5.5 (max) · 6 Oct 2026Strong
Typical tasks
From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.
- Teach political science.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Advise political science students.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
- Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
- Identify issues for research and analysis.
- Serve on committees.
- Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
- Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.
- Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.
Other job titles for this occupation (23)
Citizen Participation Specialist · Government Affairs Researcher · Government Affairs Specialist · Health Policy Analyst · Legislative Affairs Specialist · Legislative Analyst · Legislative Liaison · Legislative Policy Analyst · Local Governance Specialist · Medical Policy Analyst · Policy Advisor · Policy Analyst · Policy Associate · Policy Officer · Policy Specialist · Political Advisor · Political Aide · Political Analyst · Political Consultant · Political Research Scientist · Political Researcher · Project Policy Analyst · Strategist