Economist Salary in Virginia
Based on 950+ workers in Virginia
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$137,590
$66.15/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
+23.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $232K
950 employed in Virginia
Salary Distribution — Economist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,600 |
| 25th percentile | $93,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $137,590 |
| 75th percentile | $179,730 |
| 90th percentile | $232,410 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,920 |
| 2023 | $141,190 |
| 2024 | $148,010 |
| 2025 | $137,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,590 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,920 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $141,190 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $148,010 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $137,590 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,590 | $111,296 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $93,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $137,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $179,730 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $232,410 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Economist ($137,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in VA | $185,220 | +34.6% | $89.05/hr |
| Actuary in VA | $131,900 | -4.1% | $63.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in VA | $105,490 | -23.3% | $50.72/hr |
| Budget Analyst in VA | $105,470 | -23.3% | $50.71/hr |
| Financial Examiner in VA | $104,060 | -24.4% | $50.03/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in VA | $102,640 | -25.4% | $49.35/hr |
| Credit Analyst in VA | $102,430 | -25.6% | $49.25/hr |
| Accountant in VA | $93,290 | -32.2% | $44.85/hr |
| Tax Examiner in VA | $92,930 | -32.5% | $44.68/hr |
| Compliance Officer in VA | $80,380 | -41.6% | $38.64/hr |
| Loan Officer in VA | $78,320 | -43.1% | $37.65/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in VA | $62,910 | -54.3% | $30.25/hr |