Economist Salary in the United States
Based on 15K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$102,371
$49.217/hr
▲ 4.2% vs 2023Salary Range
$84K – $219K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
15K
workers nationwide
Economists in the United States earn a median salary of $102,371 per year, reflecting the specialized expertise required in this field. With approximately 15,000 economists employed across the country, this represents a professional workforce engaged in analyzing economic data, policy implications, and market trends that influence business and government decision-making at all levels.
Economist salary in the United States varies significantly based on several key factors, including educational attainment, industry sector, and years of experience. Salaries typically range from $84,390 to $218,880 annually, with higher compensation found in private financial services, technology, and government research positions compared to academic or nonprofit roles. Geographic location, employer size, and specialized expertise in areas like quantitative analysis also substantially impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Economist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,390 |
| 25th percentile | $117,960 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,371 |
| 75th percentile | $191,880 |
| 90th percentile | $218,880 |
Economist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Economist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $162,610 | +58.8% | 3K |
| 2 | Virginia | $148,010 | +44.6% | 970 |
| 3 | New York | $142,300 | +39.0% | 870 |
| 4 | Maryland | $137,610 | +34.4% | 920 |
| 5 | Georgia | $127,220 | +24.3% | 340 |
| 6 | Ohio | $117,750 | +15.0% | 130 |
| 7 | Washington | $116,390 | +13.7% | 470 |
| 8 | Missouri | $115,520 | +12.8% | 210 |
| 9 | Kansas | $115,100 | +12.4% | 110 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $113,300 | +10.7% | 710 |
Historical Salary Trend — Economist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $102,371 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make per year in the United States?
- The median salary for economists in the United States is $102,371 per year, which breaks down to approximately $49 per hour. However, salaries can range significantly from $84,390 at the lower end to $218,880 for top earners in the field.
What city pays economists the most in the US?
- The District of Columbia offers the highest compensation for economists, with a top paying salary of $162,610 per year. This is considerably higher than the national median of $102,371, making it one of the most lucrative locations for this profession.
What is the salary range for an economist job?
- Economist salaries in the United States range from $84,390 to $218,880 annually, representing a significant spread in compensation across the profession. The median falls at $102,371, meaning half of economists earn above and half earn below this amount.
How many economists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 15,000 economists employed throughout the United States. This represents the total workforce in this profession across all industries and regions.