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Economist Salary in Arlington, VA

How much does a economist make in Arlington? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Arlington's cost of living.

Median Salary
$157,980
per year in Arlington
Entry Level
$93,618
Starting salary
Senior Level
$216,491
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
155
55% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how economist salaries break down across different pay periods in Arlington.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$93,618$157,980$216,491
Monthly$7,802$13,165$18,041
Biweekly$3,601$6,076$8,327
Weekly$1,800$3,038$4,163
Hourly$45$76$104

Arlington vs National Average

How Arlington's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Arlington Salary
$157,980
COL Index: 155
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$66,010
Higher in Arlington

Cost of Living in Arlington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$120,456
per year
Population
238,643
residents
Rent % of Income
20.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 155 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Arlington have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Economist

Overview

Research economic data and trends to inform policy and business decisions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics; Master's or PhD common for research roles

Key Skills

Economic AnalysisData InterpretationResearchPolicy Analysis

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Economist Salary

See Economist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$168,850
+7%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-25%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-22%
Houston, TX
$131,160
-17%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-34%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in Arlington, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Arlington, VA is $157,980 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 155. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Arlington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Arlington can expect to earn around $93,618 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $216,491 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Arlington's cost of living index of 155 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Arlington are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $91,970, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a economist's salary in Arlington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 16.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Economists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Arlington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.