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Economist Salary in Bethlehem, PA

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

Median Salary
$87,372
per year in Bethlehem
Entry Level
$51,776
Starting salary
Senior Level
$119,731
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
100
0% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,776$87,372$119,731
Monthly$4,315$7,281$9,978
Biweekly$1,991$3,360$4,605
Weekly$996$1,680$2,303
Hourly$25$42$58

Bethlehem vs National Average

How Bethlehem's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Bethlehem Salary
$87,372
COL Index: 100
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,598
Lower in Bethlehem

Cost of Living in Bethlehem

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$50,234
per year
Population
77,018
residents
Rent % of Income
28.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 100 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bethlehem 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
+93%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+35%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+41%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+50%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+19%

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Economist Salary in Bethlehem, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Bethlehem, PA is $87,372 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 100. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bethlehem's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Bethlehem can expect to earn around $51,776 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $119,731 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bethlehem's cost of living index of 100 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 16.5% 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 Bethlehem, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.