Economists Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Economists in the United States is $124,720 per year — about $60 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $89,330 and $174,720 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Economists
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $176,090 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $152,130 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $152,730 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $138,260 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $156,750 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $132,630 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $128,520 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $136,990 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $139,530 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $151,510 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Economists make in the US?
The median salary is $124,720 per year (about $60 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $89,330 and $174,720 a year.
How much do Economists make per hour?
About $60 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $124,720 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Economists?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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