Economists Salary (2025)
Based on 17,790 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $67,360 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $89,330 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $124,720 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $174,720 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $238,060 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$67K
25th
$89K
Median
$125K
75th
$175K
90th
$238K
Highest Paying States for Economists
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $175,100 |
| New York | $168,580 |
| New Jersey | $161,990 |
| Kansas | $150,950 |
| Delaware | $149,020 |
| Maryland | $146,600 |
| Virginia | $144,880 |
| North Carolina | $136,220 |
| Texas | $135,080 |
| Missouri | $134,000 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Economists salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $175,100 per year, while Missouri has an average of $134,000 — a difference of $41,100. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Economists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17,790 workers were employed as Economistss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. The annual mean wage of $142,130 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 19-3011