What is the salary for a Economist?

The median salary for a Economist is $108,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around $65,000, while senior roles can earn up to $155,000.

What education do you need to become a Economist?

To become a Economist, you typically need a Master's/Ph.D.. Relevant certifications include None required.

What is the job outlook for Economist?

The job outlook for Economist is faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 6% over the next decade.

What skills do you need to be a Economist?

Key skills for a Economist include Econometrics, Data Analysis, Policy Analysis, Research. Continuous learning and professional development are also important.

Where do Economists work?

Economists typically work in office settings. Top employers include Federal Reserve, BLS, Universities, Consulting firms.

Is Economist a good career in 2026?

Economist offers stable employment with a median salary of $108,000, though growth is moderate.

Economist

Study production and distribution of resources through data analysis.

$108K

Median Salary

Job Growth

$65K

Entry Salary

$155K

Senior Salary

Education:Master's/Ph.D.Outlook:Faster than averageWork:OfficeCategory:Social Science

Salary Estimator

Years of Experience: 5

Entry (0 yr)Mid (10 yr)Senior (20 yr)

$65,000

Entry Level

$87,500

Your Estimate

$155,000

Senior Level

Salary Range

$65K$108K median$155K

Key Skills

EconometricsData AnalysisPolicy AnalysisResearch

Recommended Certifications

1None required

Top Employers

Federal ReserveBLSUniversitiesConsulting firms

Education Path

To pursue a career as a Economist, you will typically need: Master's/Ph.D..

While job growth is moderate, skilled professionals continue to find opportunities. Specialization and certifications can improve prospects.

Data Sources: Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024–2025 edition). Job growth projections are 10-year estimates (2023–2033). Last updated March 2026.

Methodology & Career Data Sources

How we calculate Economist salary and outlook data: Our salary estimates, growth projections, and career outlook combine multiple federal labor datasets. Salary figures reflect national medians; actual pay varies by employer, location, specialization, and experience level.

Salary data sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the authoritative federal survey of employment and wages across 800+ occupations.
Job growth projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), covering 10-year projections (2023–2033 base period) for all major occupations.
Salary progression model combines OEWS percentile data (P10, P25, P50, P75, P90) with career-stage adjustments based on BLS Employment Cost Index trends.
Education requirements cross-referenced with College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) earnings data for graduates in this field.
Certification value assessed using O*NET occupational database (US Dept of Labor), which catalogs skills, abilities, and knowledge requirements per occupation.

Authoritative US labor and career data sources:

BLS OEWS — Occupational Employment and Wages — median salary by occupation
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — job growth and career outlook 2023–2033
O*NET Online (US Dept of Labor) — skills, education, and knowledge requirements
College Scorecard — earnings outcomes by field of study and institution
BLS Employment Cost Index (ECI) — wage growth trends by industry sector
DOL Registered Apprenticeships — alternative credentialing pathways

Career Disclaimer: Salary figures represent national medians from the most recent BLS OEWS survey. Actual compensation varies significantly by employer, metropolitan area, industry sector, and individual experience. Growth projections are estimates and subject to economic conditions. Use this data as one input alongside current job listings and informational interviews.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS OEWS & OOH data current as of 2024–2025 edition

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