Policy analyst
$60,000 – $95,000
Federal/provincial — the core destination
Degree guide
what can i do with a political science degree?
For people who read the news and want to be inside the story. The destinations are real — government, law, policy, advocacy — and almost none of them are called 'political scientist.'
Poli sci is a direction, and directions need vehicles
The degree's three real vehicles: the public service (write the entrance processes early, not at graduation), law school (poli sci is the classic feeder), and the political/advocacy world (which runs on volunteering before it ever pays). Pick a vehicle by third year; the grads who drift wait years longer for the same jobs.
Jobs and salary context
Typical Canadian ranges from Job Bank medians, checked Oct 2026. Actual outcomes vary by role, location, experience, and employer.
Lawyer (with law school)
$80,000 – $150,000+
Poli sci is a classic pre-law path
Government relations / lobbying
$65,000 – $110,000
The private-sector conversion of the same knowledge
Political staffer
$45,000 – $85,000
Volatile, formative, network-building
Communications / public affairs
$55,000 – $90,000
Where policy meets message
International development / NGO
$50,000 – $80,000
Competitive; field experience decides
FAQ
Is political science good for law school?
It is a classic pre-law major for a reason: argument, precedent and institutions are the daily material. Law schools admit on GPA + LSAT from any major though — poli sci helps you want law, not just get in.
How do I actually get a government job?
Through the posted processes (federal post-secondary recruitment, provincial internships) — which run on their own slow clock. Apply in your final year, expect months, and use co-op streams if your university has them; they convert to permanent roles at high rates.
Does political work pay?
Staffer and campaign roles start lean and burn hot; the compounding happens when that network converts into government relations, public affairs or senior public service — where pay climbs well past staffer ranges.