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Economist Salary in Grand Rapids, MI

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

Median Salary
$78,690
per year in Grand Rapids
Entry Level
$46,631
Starting salary
Senior Level
$107,834
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
93
7% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$46,631$78,690$107,834
Monthly$3,886$6,558$8,986
Biweekly$1,794$3,027$4,147
Weekly$897$1,513$2,074
Hourly$22$38$52

Grand Rapids vs National Average

How Grand Rapids's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Grand Rapids Salary
$78,690
COL Index: 93
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,280
Lower in Grand Rapids

Cost of Living in Grand Rapids

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,410
per year
Population
198,917
residents
Rent % of Income
27.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 93 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Grand Rapids 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
+115%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+50%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+56%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+67%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+32%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Economist Salary in Grand Rapids, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Grand Rapids, MI is $78,690 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Grand Rapids's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Grand Rapids can expect to earn around $46,631 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $107,834 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Grand Rapids's cost of living index of 93 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 16.8% 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 Grand Rapids, 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.