When individuals search for the salary of a public figure like Jessica Tarlov, co-host of "The Five," they are often exploring the viability and earning potential of a fascinating career path. While an individual's specific salary is private, we can analyze the professions she represents: Political Analyst, Pollster, and Market Research Analyst. These data-driven roles are the foundation of a career in political strategy and commentary.
This article will break down the salary you can expect in these fields, the key factors that influence your earnings, and the overall career outlook. A career in political analysis can be both intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding, with seasoned professionals in major markets earning well into the six figures.
What Does a Political Analyst Do?
Before we dive into the numbers, let's clarify the role. A Political Analyst, at their core, is an expert in understanding, interpreting, and communicating political trends and public opinion. Jessica Tarlov's career, which includes a Ph.D. in Political Science and extensive experience as a pollster and research director, is a perfect example of this trajectory.
Key responsibilities often include:
- Designing and conducting polls and surveys to gauge public opinion on candidates, policies, and social issues.
- Analyzing complex data sets to identify trends, predict election outcomes, and understand voter behavior.
- Writing detailed reports, briefs, and articles that translate complex data into actionable insights for campaigns, corporations, or the public.
- Providing expert commentary for media outlets, offering data-backed perspectives on current events.
- Advising political campaigns, think tanks, or corporations on strategy based on research findings.
It's a career that blends quantitative skill with sharp communication, perfect for those who are passionate about politics and driven by data.
Average Salary for Political and Market Research Analysts
The salary for a political analyst can vary widely, but we can establish a strong baseline by looking at data for "Market Research Analysts," the category under which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies most pollsters and data analysts.
- Median Annual Salary: The median annual wage for market research analysts was $74,680 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means half of all analysts earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
- Typical Salary Range: The salary landscape is broad. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,430, while the highest 10 percent of earners brought in more than $135,160.
Data from reputable salary aggregators further refines this picture for roles specifically labeled "Political Analyst":
- According to Salary.com, the average Political Analyst salary in the United States is around $89,550, with a typical range falling between $77,500 and $103,100.
- Glassdoor reports a similar average base pay of approximately $84,000 per year, with total pay potentially rising with bonuses and other compensation.
Entry-level political analysts with a bachelor's degree can expect to start in the $60,000 to $75,000 range, while senior analysts or directors with a decade of experience and a graduate degree can command salaries well over $120,000. On-air talent roles, like a co-host position on a major network, represent a separate compensation tier that is highly individualized and often includes factors beyond analytics, such as public profile and viewership.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Several key variables will determine your specific earning potential in this field. Understanding them is crucial for maximizing your career growth.
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Level of Education
Education is a significant differentiator. While a bachelor's degree in Political Science, Statistics, Economics, or a related field is the standard entry point, an advanced degree can unlock higher-level positions and salaries. A Master's degree in Public Policy (MPP), Public Administration (MPA), or Statistics is highly valued. A Ph.D., like Jessica Tarlov's, positions you as a top-tier expert, qualifying you for senior roles in academia, high-level research direction at think tanks, or lead strategist positions where salaries often exceed $150,000.
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Years of Experience
Experience is paramount. As you progress from an entry-level analyst to a senior strategist, your value—and salary—will increase substantially.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Focuses on data collection, basic analysis, and report writing.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): Manages research projects, develops polling methodologies, and begins advising clients or stakeholders.
- Senior/Director (8+ years): Sets the research agenda, serves as the primary expert for an organization, manages a team of analysts, and often becomes a public-facing voice.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Political and analytical jobs are concentrated in hubs of government, media, and finance, which are also high-cost-of-living areas that command higher salaries. According to BLS data, the top-paying states for market research analysts include:
1. Washington
2. New Jersey
3. California
4. New York
5. District of Columbia (D.C.)
Working in a major metropolitan area like Washington D.C., New York City, or San Francisco will almost certainly result in a higher salary than working in a smaller market.
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Company Type
The type of organization you work for is one of the biggest factors.
- Media Companies (e.g., Fox News, CNN): These roles can be a hybrid of analysis and on-air talent. While a behind-the-scenes analyst may earn a competitive corporate salary, prominent on-air contributors and hosts operate on a different pay scale determined by contract negotiations, viewership, and public profile.
- Private Polling Firms & Consulting Agencies: These firms serve a range of corporate and political clients and are often among the highest-paying employers for pure analytical talent.
- Think Tanks (e.g., Brookings Institution, RAND Corporation): These non-profit organizations offer competitive salaries, especially for senior fellows and research directors with advanced degrees.
- Political Campaigns: Campaign work is often intense and can be cyclical. Salaries can be lower than in the private sector but offer unparalleled experience and networking opportunities.
- Federal Government: The government employs many analysts, with pay determined by the General Schedule (GS) scale. This provides stable, predictable salary progression.
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Area of Specialization
Specializing in a high-demand area can boost your earnings. An analyst with deep expertise in quantitative analysis, statistical modeling (using tools like R, Python, or SPSS), and predictive analytics is more valuable than one with only general knowledge. Specializing in high-stakes areas like presidential polling, corporate crisis management, or international relations can also lead to more lucrative opportunities.
Job Outlook
The future for this career path is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for Market Research Analysts will grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This robust growth is driven by the increasing reliance on data across all sectors. Businesses, non-profits, and political campaigns all need to understand their audiences, and they are willing to pay for expert analysis to gain a competitive edge. This demand ensures a steady stream of opportunities for skilled analysts for years to come.
Conclusion
While the exact salary of a public figure remains confidential, the career path of a Political Analyst or Pollster is a well-defined and promising one. It offers a path to a comfortable living, with the potential for a six-figure income for experienced professionals in the right roles.
For those inspired by a career that combines a passion for politics with a talent for data, the key takeaways are clear:
- Build a Strong Foundation: Pursue a degree in a relevant field and strongly consider a Master's or Ph.D. to maximize your potential.
- Develop Quantitative Skills: Master statistical software and data analysis techniques.
- Gain Diverse Experience: Work in different environments—campaigns, consulting firms, or media—to build a robust resume.
- Be Strategic About Location: Target major political and media hubs to access the best opportunities and highest salaries.
A career like Jessica Tarlov's is built on years of academic rigor and analytical expertise. By following a similar path, you can build a successful and impactful career at the intersection of data, strategy, and public discourse.