The average salary for a economist in the United States is $132,650, but the range typically falls between $82,330 and $166,070. This corresponds to an average hourly wage of $63.78, with a range between $39.58 and $79.84.
There are approximately 16,420 people employed as a economist in the United States. With District of Columbia, California, Virginia employing the highest number of economists.The state with the best pay for a economist is District of Columbia, with an average annual salary of $163,540, while South Carolina has the lowest average annual salary of $53,680.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,520 | $30.06 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,330 | $39.58 |
| Median | $115,730 | $55.64 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,070 | $79.84 |
| 90th Percentile | $216,900 | $104.28 |
The salary of a economist can vary depending on the state. Below is a map of the United States showing the average annual salary for a economist in each state. The darker the color, the higher the salary. The best states for economists are District of Columbia, Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Oklahoma while the worst states are South Carolina, Idaho, Nebraska, Kentucky, Arkansas.
| State | Low-end | Average | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,750 | $108,660 | $151,420 |
| Alaska | $62,620 | $101,560 | $142,200 |
| Arizona | $60,500 | $99,330 | $130,740 |
| Arkansas | $52,730 | $79,220 | $109,990 |
| California | $71,090 | $133,790 | $219,240 |
| Colorado | $65,090 | $106,040 | $151,910 |
| Connecticut | $71,140 | $123,160 | $169,830 |
| District of Columbia | $88,210 | $163,540 | >$239,200 |
| Florida | $39,300 | $104,730 | $174,250 |
| Hawaii | $67,590 | $100,850 | $149,300 |
| Idaho | $38,490 | $66,610 | $106,420 |
| Illinois | $52,310 | $119,870 | $225,250 |
| Iowa | $49,720 | $96,720 | $136,680 |
| Kansas | $70,670 | $112,450 | $141,990 |
| Kentucky | $41,860 | $82,000 | $160,840 |
| Louisiana | $62,670 | $109,520 | $163,530 |
| Maine | $66,050 | $88,040 | $129,660 |
| Maryland | $80,640 | $136,370 | $183,500 |
| Massachusetts | $77,180 | $139,720 | $225,480 |
| Minnesota | $65,460 | $107,440 | $154,870 |
| Missouri | $70,100 | $127,900 | $201,650 |
| Montana | $64,180 | $99,020 | $139,140 |
| Nebraska | $40,970 | $72,540 | $109,280 |
| Nevada | $51,210 | $80,060 | $104,080 |
| New Jersey | $69,140 | $103,550 | $141,960 |
| New Mexico | $63,070 | $79,220 | $103,710 |
| North Carolina | $60,630 | $109,770 | $173,460 |
| Ohio | $56,490 | $117,170 | $175,860 |
| Oklahoma | $76,020 | $111,420 | $135,780 |
| Oregon | $74,130 | $108,110 | $153,790 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,140 | $107,510 | $164,310 |
| South Carolina | $44,740 | $53,680 | $77,540 |
| Tennessee | $71,780 | $93,070 | $127,890 |
| Texas | $60,560 | $131,480 | $212,260 |
| Utah | $47,040 | $96,060 | $136,740 |
| Virginia | $77,100 | $145,070 | $213,320 |
| Washington | $78,280 | $113,280 | $161,560 |
| Wisconsin | $51,370 | $79,270 | $101,700 |
Even between cities, the salary of a economist can vary. For example, the areas with the highest average salary for economists is Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk area, CT with an average salary of $158,540.The city with the lowest average salary for economists is Columbia, SC with an average salary of $52,040.
Areas with highest average salaries for economists
Areas with lowest average salaries for economists
The number of economists in the United States has been decreasing over the years. Since 2020, the number of economists has decreased by -1,100. On average, the number of economists has been increasing by -1.6% each year. The salary of economists has been increasing. Since 2020, the salary of economists has increased by $11,770. On average, the salary of economists has been increasing by 2.4% each year.
Economists are part of the life, physical, and social science occupations group. Below is a comparison of the average annual salary for economists compared to other jobs in the same occupation group. View all life, physical, and social science occupations jobs here.
$73,160 per year
$75,740 per year
$86,710 per year
$112,440 per year
$95,560 per year
$101,530 per year
