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Economist Salary in Billings, MT

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

Median Salary
$85,422
per year in Billings
Entry Level
$50,621
Starting salary
Senior Level
$117,059
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$50,621$85,422$117,059
Monthly$4,218$7,119$9,755
Biweekly$1,947$3,285$4,502
Weekly$973$1,643$2,251
Hourly$24$41$56

Billings vs National Average

How Billings's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Billings Salary
$85,422
COL Index: 108
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$6,548
Lower in Billings

Cost of Living in Billings

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
130,851
residents
Rent % of Income
31.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Billings 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
+98%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+38%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+44%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+54%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Economist Salary in Billings, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Billings, MT is $85,422 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Billings's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Billings can expect to earn around $50,621 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $117,059 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Billings's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Billings 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 Billings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 21.1% 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 Billings, 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.