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Economist Salary in Columbia, TN

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

Median Salary
$71,921
per year in Columbia
Entry Level
$42,620
Starting salary
Senior Level
$98,558
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$42,620$71,921$98,558
Monthly$3,552$5,993$8,213
Biweekly$1,639$2,766$3,791
Weekly$820$1,383$1,895
Hourly$20$35$47

Columbia vs National Average

How Columbia's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Columbia Salary
$71,921
COL Index: 92
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$20,049
Lower in Columbia

Cost of Living in Columbia

1-Bedroom Rent
$980
per month
Median Income
$50,821
per year
Population
42,280
residents
Rent % of Income
23.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbia 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
+135%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+64%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+71%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+82%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+45%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Economist Salary in Columbia, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Columbia, TN is $71,921 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Columbia can expect to earn around $42,620 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $98,558 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbia's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbia 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 Columbia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $980 per month, housing represents about 16.4% 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 Columbia, 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.