Economist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 3K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$167,590
$80.57/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
+50.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$98K – $299K
3K employed in District of Columbia
Economists working in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $167,590 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 51 percent. With approximately 3,000 economists employed in the region, salaries typically range from $98,350 to $299,110 annually. This substantial compensation reflects the area's concentration of federal agencies, research institutions, and policy organizations that actively recruit economics professionals.
Several factors influence economist salary in District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific employer type. Federal government positions often provide competitive benefits packages alongside base pay, while think tanks and research organizations may offer different compensation structures. Industry specialization, advanced degrees, and prior work experience in policy analysis or econometrics also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within the region's robust job market.
Salary Distribution — Economist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,350 |
| 25th percentile | $115,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $167,590 |
| 75th percentile | $224,080 |
| 90th percentile | $299,110 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $143,060 |
| 2023 | $158,830 |
| 2024 | $162,610 |
| 2025 | $167,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $172,723 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $143,060 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $158,830 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $162,610 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $167,590 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $172,723 | $114,704 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $115,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $167,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $224,080 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $299,110 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Economist ($167,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Examiner in DC | $198,720 | +18.6% | $95.54/hr |
| Financial Manager in DC | $188,880 | +12.7% | $90.81/hr |
| Actuary in DC | $166,230 | -0.8% | $79.92/hr |
| Credit Analyst in DC | $132,590 | -20.9% | $63.75/hr |
| Tax Examiner in DC | $125,110 | -25.3% | $60.15/hr |
| Budget Analyst in DC | $124,590 | -25.7% | $59.90/hr |
| Accountant in DC | $111,530 | -33.5% | $53.62/hr |
| Compliance Officer in DC | $111,030 | -33.7% | $53.38/hr |
| Financial Analyst in DC | $105,780 | -36.9% | $50.86/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in DC | $104,990 | -37.4% | $50.48/hr |
| Loan Officer in DC | $92,890 | -44.6% | $44.66/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in DC | $84,530 | -49.6% | $40.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for economists in District of Columbia is $167,590 per year, or $81 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 50.6% premium for working in the DC area.
What is the salary range for economists in DC?
- Economist salaries in District of Columbia range from $98,350 at the lower end to $299,110 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, employer type, and specific specialization within the economics field.
Is economist salary higher in DC than the national average?
- Yes, economist salaries in District of Columbia are 50.6% higher than the national average. The median DC salary of $167,590 significantly exceeds what economists typically earn across the United States.
How many economists are employed in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 3,000 economists employed in District of Columbia. This represents a substantial job market for economics professionals in the nation's capital.