Economist Salary in Alabama
Based on 40+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$129,960
$62.48/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
+16.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $175K
40 employed in Alabama
The median economist salary in Alabama is $103,400 per year, which is approximately 1% above the national average. Currently, there are 40 economists employed in the state. Salaries in this field range from $59,950 at the entry level to $161,110 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within Alabama's economist workforce.
Several factors influence economist salary in Alabama, including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and employer type. Economists working in government, finance, or research institutions often command different compensation levels than those in other sectors. Geographic location within Alabama, professional certifications, and specialized expertise in areas like labor economics or policy analysis can also significantly impact earning potential and career progression.
Salary Distribution — Economist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,520 |
| 25th percentile | $91,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,960 |
| 75th percentile | $153,570 |
| 90th percentile | $175,170 |
Top-Paying Industries for Economist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Economists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Economists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $210,780 | 30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $207,400 | 40 |
| Manufacturing | $180,320 | 90 |
| Finance and Insurance | $173,990 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $160,150 | 170 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Economist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $113,240 |
| 2023 | $100,970 |
| 2024 | $103,400 |
| 2025 | $129,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,758 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $113,240 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $100,970 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $103,400 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $129,960 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,758 | $117,974 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $91,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $153,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $175,170 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Economist ($129,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in AL | $140,500 | +8.1% | $67.55/hr |
| Actuary in AL | $136,950 | +5.4% | $65.84/hr |
| Budget Analyst in AL | $99,490 | -23.4% | $47.83/hr |
| Financial Analyst in AL | $91,290 | -29.8% | $43.89/hr |
| Tax Examiner in AL | $87,110 | -33.0% | $41.88/hr |
| Credit Analyst in AL | $79,970 | -38.5% | $38.45/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in AL | $77,990 | -40.0% | $37.50/hr |
| Accountant in AL | $74,880 | -42.4% | $36.00/hr |
| Compliance Officer in AL | $72,990 | -43.8% | $35.09/hr |
| Loan Officer in AL | $66,710 | -48.7% | $32.07/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in AL | $65,510 | -49.6% | $31.50/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in AL | $49,230 | -62.1% | $23.67/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in Alabama?
- The median salary for economists in Alabama is $103,400 per year, or $50 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +1.0% difference compared to economists nationwide.
What is the salary range for economists in Alabama?
- Economist salaries in Alabama range from a low of $59,950 to a high of $161,110 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific roles within the field.
Is the economist salary in Alabama competitive with the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median economist salary of $103,400 is competitive, running 1.0% higher than the national average. This makes it a favorable market for economists compared to the rest of the country.
How many economists are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 40 economists currently employed in Alabama. This represents a relatively small but established workforce in the state's economics field.