Home / City Job Salaries / Economist in Chico

Economist Salary in Chico, CA

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

Median Salary
$135,380
per year in Chico
Entry Level
$80,225
Starting salary
Senior Level
$185,521
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
115
15% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$80,225$135,380$185,521
Monthly$6,685$11,282$15,460
Biweekly$3,086$5,207$7,135
Weekly$1,543$2,603$3,568
Hourly$39$65$89

Chico vs National Average

How Chico's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Chico Salary
$135,380
COL Index: 115
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$43,410
Higher in Chico

Cost of Living in Chico

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
92,155
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 115 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chico 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
+25%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-13%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-9%
Houston, TX
$131,160
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-23%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a economist salary in Chico.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Chico.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Chico.

Economist Salary in Chico, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Chico, CA is $135,380 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chico's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Chico can expect to earn around $80,225 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $185,521 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chico's cost of living index of 115 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chico 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 Chico typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 15.1% 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 Chico, 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.