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Economist Salary in Boston, MA

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

Median Salary
$111,320
per year in Boston
Entry Level
$65,968
Starting salary
Senior Level
$152,550
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$65,968$111,320$152,550
Monthly$5,497$9,277$12,713
Biweekly$2,537$4,282$5,867
Weekly$1,269$2,141$2,934
Hourly$32$54$73

Boston vs National Average

How Boston's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Boston Salary
$111,320
COL Index: 158
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$19,350
Higher in Boston

Cost of Living in Boston

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,250
per month
Median Income
$76,321
per year
Population
692,600
residents
Rent % of Income
35.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boston 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
+52%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+6%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+11%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in Boston, MA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Boston, MA is $111,320 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Boston can expect to earn around $65,968 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $152,550 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boston's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boston 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 Boston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,250 per month, housing represents about 24.3% 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 Boston, 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.