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Economist Salary in Fairfax, VA

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

Median Salary
$127,139
per year in Fairfax
Entry Level
$75,342
Starting salary
Senior Level
$174,228
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
128
28% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$75,342$127,139$174,228
Monthly$6,279$10,595$14,519
Biweekly$2,898$4,890$6,701
Weekly$1,449$2,445$3,351
Hourly$36$61$84

Fairfax vs National Average

How Fairfax's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Fairfax Salary
$127,139
COL Index: 128
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$35,169
Higher in Fairfax

Cost of Living in Fairfax

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$92,821
per year
Population
24,146
residents
Rent % of Income
21.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 128 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fairfax 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
+33%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-7%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-3%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-18%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in Fairfax, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Fairfax, VA is $127,139 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 128. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fairfax's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Fairfax can expect to earn around $75,342 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $174,228 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fairfax's cost of living index of 128 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Fairfax 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 Fairfax typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 15.6% 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 Fairfax, 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.