Economists
Occupation
$115,440
National Median Salary
$55.50
Median Hourly Wage
15,880
Total Employment
Salary Distribution
10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile
Salary Trend (2014-2024)
+20.6%
10 Year Change
$95,710
2014 Median
$115,440
2024 Median
Best Paying Industries
Industry Wage Growth
Best Paying States
Fastest Growing States
Where This Career Pays Above Average
Top Paying Industries for Economists
| Industry | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $222,980 | 50 |
| Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services | $213,290 | 50 |
| Monetary Authorities-Central Bank | $200,980 | 640 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $200,660 | 280 |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only) | $184,380 | 160 |
Top Paying States for Economists
| State | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $162,610 | 3,010 |
| Virginia | $148,010 | 970 |
| New York | $142,300 | 870 |
| Maryland | $137,610 | 920 |
| Georgia | $127,220 | 340 |
Related Occupations
Explore Economists by State
Explore Economists by Industry
See how this career performs in specific industries
Oil and Gas Extraction
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
Monetary Authorities-Central Bank
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only)
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
Other Nondepository Credit Intermediation
Nondepository Credit Intermediation
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
Postal Service (Federal Government)
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences