Unlock the World of Political Economy: Elite Careers and Impactful Research Await!
Political Economy jobs offer a unique blend of politics and economics, analyzing how power shapes markets and policies. Whether you're a student eyeing PhD programs or a seasoned academic seeking tenure-track Political Economy faculty jobs, this field thrives amid global challenges like inequality, trade tensions, and climate policy. In 2024, demand surged 12% for experts, per higher ed reports, driven by events like the Acemoglu Nobel win highlighting institutions' role in prosperity. Students, start with dual majors in poli sci and econ, then pursue PhDs at top schools—career paths lead to influential roles influencing policy worldwide. Professors, discover professor jobs at elite universities, with average assistant prof salaries around $115,000 rising to $220,000 for full profs. Browse Higher Ed Jobs Now Parents and job seekers, explore prestige, trends, and tools like Rate My Professor for Political Economy to gauge programs. Dive into quirks like crypto regulation studies or populist economy analyses for engaging, high-impact careers.
What Defines Political Economy?
Political Economy examines the interplay of political institutions and economic outcomes, from historical giants like Adam Smith to modern influencers like Thomas Piketty's inequality research in Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Unlike pure economics, it incorporates power dynamics, making it ideal for Political Economy academic jobs. Fringe quirk: In Scandinavia, locale-specific models blend welfare states with market reforms, studied in unique Nordic programs.
Career Paths for Students in Political Economy
Aspiring academics, begin with bachelor's in Political Science or Economics, then master's before PhD—essential for faculty roles. Top paths: research assistant positions via research assistant jobs, or postdocs at Ivy League schools. Unique anecdote: Many enter via think tanks analyzing U.S.-China trade wars. Check Political Economy professor ratings to select mentors. Higher ed career advice recommends networking at conferences.
Top Political Economy Faculty Job Opportunities
Political Economy professor jobs abound in tenure-track, lecturer, and adjunct roles. In 2023, over 300 U.S. postings targeted interdisciplinary hires, especially in D.C.-area unis for policy focus. Explore faculty jobs, lecturer jobs, or adjunct professor jobs. Remote options grow via remote higher ed jobs. Rate peers on Rate My Professor for insights.
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor
Prestige roles at R1 unis, focusing on inequality or development.
Visiting Scholar in Political Economy
Short-term gigs bridging academia and policy.
Political Economy Professor Salaries and Earnings
Earnings vary by location and rank, with top-tier schools paying premiums. Check detailed data at professor salaries. In California, full profs average $250,000+; see California academic jobs.
| Rank | Average US Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| Associate Professor | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| Full Professor | $180,000 - $280,000+ |
Prestige boosts: Ivy League roles exceed $300,000. University salaries tool helps compare.
Leading Programs and Prestige in Political Economy
Elite spots: Harvard's Government Dept, Princeton, UC Berkeley, Chicago Booth. Quirky fringe: Yale's program uniquely integrates behavioral econ. Rate courses via Rate My Course. UK options at jobs.ac.uk.
Expert Tips and Next Steps
Leverage free resume template and cover letter template for applications. Get advice from career advice. Search New York jobs or nationwide.
Start Your Political Economy Job SearchAssociations for Political Economy
European Association for Evolutionary Political Economy
An interdisciplinary association promoting evolutionary, institutional, and complexity approaches to political economy in Europe and beyond.
Union for Radical Political Economics
An organization dedicated to the study, development, and application of radical political economic analysis to social problems.
Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics
An international, interdisciplinary organization fostering research on the socio-economic foundations of markets, institutions, and organizations.
International Political Economy Society
A society that organizes annual conferences to advance research in international political economy.
Association for Evolutionary Economics
An association promoting the development of evolutionary and institutional economics as part of political economy.
World Economics Association
A global organization advocating for pluralism, relevance, and ethical standards in economics and political economy.
Association for Heterodox Economics
An association supporting the development of heterodox approaches to economics and political economy through conferences and publications.












