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Economist Salary in Austin, TX

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

Median Salary
$82,390
per year in Austin
Entry Level
$48,824
Starting salary
Senior Level
$112,905
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
121
21% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$48,824$82,390$112,905
Monthly$4,069$6,866$9,409
Biweekly$1,878$3,169$4,343
Weekly$939$1,584$2,171
Hourly$23$40$54

Austin vs National Average

How Austin's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Austin Salary
$82,390
COL Index: 121
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,580
Lower in Austin

Cost of Living in Austin

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$71,349
per year
Population
978,908
residents
Rent % of Income
28.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 121 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Austin 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
+105%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+43%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+49%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+59%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+26%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in Austin, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Austin, TX is $82,390 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 121. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Austin's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Austin can expect to earn around $48,824 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $112,905 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Austin's cost of living index of 121 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Austin 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 Austin typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 24.8% 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 Austin, 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.