Economist Salary in Raleigh, NC — 2026
Economist salary data for Raleigh, NC — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
The median Economist salary in Raleigh, NC is $110,160 per year ($9,180/month, $53/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 102, which is 2% above the national average.
Economist Take-Home Pay in Raleigh
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $110,160 |
| Federal Tax | -$15,405 |
| State Tax (4.3%) | -$4,682 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$8,427 |
| Annual Take-Home | $81,646 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $6,804 |
Living Cost Comparison
Economist Requirements
Key Skills
Raleigh Job Market Overview
Raleigh, North Carolina has a population of 467,665 and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. The top industries are Technology, Government, Education. The local job growth rate is 3.0%, and the average commute time is 24 minutes.
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Salary Percentile Breakdown — Economist in Raleigh
Based on the cost-of-living-adjusted distribution for Economist in Raleigh, NC, here's how earnings break down across the workforce:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent | Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th (lowest) | $66,300 | $32/hr | Entry-level, < 1 yr exp. |
| 25th | $88,230 | $42/hr | Junior, 1-3 yrs exp. |
| 50th (median) | $110,160 | $53/hr | Mid-career, 2-5 years |
| 75th | $158,100 | $76/hr | Senior, 5-10 yrs exp. |
| 90th (top) | $204,000 | $98/hr | Lead/Principal, 10+ yrs |
Percentiles estimated using a log-normal salary distribution model calibrated to Economist compensation data. Top earners (P90) typically include managers, specialists with rare skills, or those at high-paying employers in Raleigh's Technology sector.
5-Year Salary Trajectory
Economist salaries in Raleigh have grown approximately 12.0% over the past 5 years, outpacing local CPI inflation in many cases. Here's the historical and projected trajectory:
Year-over-year, an average Economist can expect a 15.6% annual increase moving from entry to senior level over 6 years in Raleigh. Negotiation, certifications (None typically required), and changing employers strategically can accelerate this trajectory.
Raleigh vs National Average
The national median Economist salary is $108,000. In Raleigh, the cost-of-living-adjusted median of $110,160 is 2.0% above the national figure. This reflects Raleigh's cost of living index of 102 (higher than the national average of 100).
For Economists, this means: rent typically consumes 22.0% of take-home pay (households spending >30% are considered affordable), and a median home in Raleigh costs about 4.7× annual take-home. Homeownership is relatively attainable on this salary in Raleigh.
Industry Context: Technology in Raleigh
Raleigh's economy is anchored by Technology, Government, Education, with 467,665 residents and 2.8% unemployment as of 2026. Economists working in the Technology sector typically earn at or above the local median due to industry-specific demand. The state's overall job growth rate is 3.0%, and Economist occupations specifically are projected to grow 6.0% nationally through 2034 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Methodology & Data Sources
How we calculate Economist salaries in Raleigh, NC:
- Base salary model starts with Salario occupation data and public wage references, including BLS OEWS and O*NET when a direct or related occupational crosswalk is available. For niche titles, we do not treat a broader SOC family as an exact job-title wage.
- Cost-of-living adjustment applied using the Raleigh index of 102 relative to the national baseline of 100, with local rent, home price, unemployment, and tax inputs checked separately.
- Percentile distribution (P10-P90) estimated from the entry, median, senior, and top compensation tiers in the Salario salary model rather than claimed as exact employer payroll data.
- Take-home pay calculated using 2026 federal tax brackets (10%-37%), NC state income tax of 4.3%, and FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%).
- Tax brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single filer for tax year 2026) sourced from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 and updated annually.
Authoritative data sources:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — national and metro-area salary data
- O*NET OnLine — occupation tasks, alternate job titles, skills, and SOC crosswalks
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — occupation outlook where a matching profile is available
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation and cost-of-living data
- U.S. Census Bureau — Raleigh QuickFacts — population and demographic data
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
- BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics — Raleigh unemployment rate
Last reviewed: 2026. Salary data updated annually as new BLS releases become available. Economist salaries can vary significantly based on employer, sector (Technology vs others in Raleigh), specific skill set (Econometrics, Statistical Modeling, Policy Analysis), and individual negotiation. Always verify current compensation through multiple sources before making career decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Economist salary in Raleigh, NC?
How much does a Economist take home in Raleigh after taxes?
Is Raleigh a good city for Economists?
What skills are needed for a Economist in Raleigh?
How does Economist salary in Raleigh compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Economist salary in Raleigh, NC?
The median Economist salary in Raleigh, NC is $110,160 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. Entry-level Economists earn around $66,300, while senior-level professionals can earn $158,100 or more.
How much does a Economist take home in Raleigh after taxes?
A Economist earning the median salary of $110,160 in Raleigh, NC takes home approximately $81,646 per year ($6,804/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 25.9%.
Is Raleigh a good city for Economists?
Raleigh, NC has a cost of living index of 102 (above national average). Economists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 2.8% and top industries include Technology, Government, Education.
What skills are needed for a Economist in Raleigh?
Key skills for Economists include Econometrics, Statistical Modeling, Policy Analysis, Data Analysis, Research. Typical education requirement is Master's/Doctorate. Valuable certifications include None typically required.
How does Economist salary in Raleigh compare to the national average?
The national median Economist salary is $108,000. In Raleigh, the adjusted salary is $110,160, which is 2.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.