Economist Salary in California
Based on 860+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$119,410
$57.41/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
+7.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $207K
860 employed in California
Economists in California earn a median salary of $119,410 per year, which is 7% above the national average. With approximately 860 economists currently employed in the state, California represents a significant hub for economic professionals. Salaries in this field range from $74,030 to $207,380 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence economist salary in California, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. The state's high cost of living and robust economy contribute to the premium compensation compared to national figures. Economists working in specialized sectors such as technology, finance, or government policy typically command higher salaries, while those early in their careers may start toward the lower end of the salary range.
Salary Distribution — Economist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,030 |
| 25th percentile | $91,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $119,410 |
| 75th percentile | $164,770 |
| 90th percentile | $207,380 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $113,030 |
| 2023 | $105,950 |
| 2024 | $100,510 |
| 2025 | $119,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,575 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $113,030 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $105,950 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $100,510 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $119,410 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,575 | $117,974 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $91,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $119,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $164,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $207,380 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Economist ($119,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +51.4% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +9.3% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +9.1% | $62.66/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | -8.6% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | -11.2% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -16.7% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -18.0% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -18.7% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | -18.8% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -31.5% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -32.3% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -33.2% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in California?
- Economists in California earn a median salary of $119,410 per year, or about $57 per hour. This is 7.3% higher than the national average for economists.
What is the salary range for economists in California?
- The salary range for economists in California spans from $74,030 to $207,380 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience, education, and employer type.
How many economists work in California?
- There are approximately 860 economists currently employed in California according to recent employment data.
Is California a good state for economist salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, California offers above-average economist salaries at $119,410 median, which is 7.3% higher than the national average, making it an attractive location for this profession.