Economist Salary in 2026
Study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services through data analysis.
Median Salary
$108,000
$9,000/mo
Entry Level
$65,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$155,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Economist Overview
Study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services through data analysis.
Education
Master's/Doctorate
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
19K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$51.92/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,000
Economist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Economist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Economist Salary
$124,000
$10,333/month · $4,769/biweekly · $59.62/hr
Economist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Economist field.
Entry-level Economists earn around $65,000, while the top 10% earn $177,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Economists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $127,000 | +$19,000 |
| New York | $124,000 | +$16,000 |
| Massachusetts | $121,000 | +$13,000 |
| Virginia | $114,000 | +$6,000 |
| Illinois | $112,000 | +$4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Economists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $135,000 | +$27,000 |
| New York | $127,000 | +$19,000 |
| Washington DC | $124,000 | +$16,000 |
| Boston | $121,000 | +$13,000 |
| Chicago | $113,000 | +$5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Economist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Economist from entry level to expert.
$65,000
0-2 years
$110,000
3-7 years
$155,000
8-14 years
$200,000
15+ years
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