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Economist Salary in Charleston, WV

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

Median Salary
$64,563
per year in Charleston
Entry Level
$38,260
Starting salary
Senior Level
$88,475
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
90
10% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$38,260$64,563$88,475
Monthly$3,188$5,380$7,373
Biweekly$1,472$2,483$3,403
Weekly$736$1,242$1,701
Hourly$18$31$43

Charleston vs National Average

How Charleston's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Charleston Salary
$64,563
COL Index: 90
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$27,407
Lower in Charleston

Cost of Living in Charleston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$47,234
per year
Population
46,539
residents
Rent % of Income
27.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 90 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charleston 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
+162%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+83%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+91%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+103%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+61%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in Charleston, WV — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Charleston, WV is $64,563 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 90. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charleston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Charleston can expect to earn around $38,260 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $88,475 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charleston's cost of living index of 90 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Charleston 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 Charleston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 20.4% 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 Charleston, 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.