Economist Salary in 2026
Study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services through data analysis.
Median Salary
$124,720
$10,393/mo
Entry Level
$75,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$179,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Economists (SOC 19-3011) at a national median of $124,720 per year (mean $142,130), or $59.96 per hour, with 17,790 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
18K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$59.96/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,393
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
$144,000
$12,000/month · $5,538/biweekly · $69.23/hr
Economist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Economist field.
Entry-level Economists earn around $75,100, while the top 10% earn $205,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Economists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $147,000 | +$22,280 |
| New York | $143,000 | +$18,280 |
| Massachusetts | $140,000 | +$15,280 |
| Virginia | $132,000 | +$7,280 |
| Illinois | $130,000 | +$5,280 |
Top Paying Cities for Economists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $156,000 | +$31,280 |
| New York | $147,000 | +$22,280 |
| Washington DC | $143,000 | +$18,280 |
| Boston | $140,000 | +$15,280 |
| Chicago | $131,000 | +$6,280 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Economist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Economist from entry level to expert.
$75,100
0-2 years
$127,000
3-7 years
$179,000
8-14 years
$231,000
15+ years
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Economist Salary FAQ
How much does a Economist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Economist in the United States is $124,720 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Economists (SOC 19-3011); the mean is $142,130. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $75,100, senior professionals around $179,000, and top earners at $231,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Economist?
A Economist typically requires a Master's/Doctorate with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Modeling, Policy Analysis. Relevant certifications such as None typically required can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Economists?
The job market for Economists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 18K Economist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 12%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Economists the most?
The highest-paying states for Economists include Virginia, New York, California. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $132,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Economist salary?
To increase your Economist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Econometrics and Statistical Modeling. Pursue certifications such as None typically required. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Washington DC. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $75,100 to $179,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Economist Salary
How we calculate Economist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Economists (SOC 19-3011), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $124,720, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Economists; BLS mean $142,130; BLS hourly median $59.96.
- Entry-level ($75,100) and senior-level ($179,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 17,790 Economists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 12% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Finance sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $124,720; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Economist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Economist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Finance
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Economist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Econometrics, Statistical Modeling, Policy Analysis), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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