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Economist Salary in Houston, TX

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

Median Salary
$131,160
per year in Houston
Entry Level
$77,725
Starting salary
Senior Level
$179,738
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$77,725$131,160$179,738
Monthly$6,477$10,930$14,978
Biweekly$2,989$5,045$6,913
Weekly$1,495$2,522$3,457
Hourly$37$63$86

Houston vs National Average

How Houston's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Houston Salary
$131,160
COL Index: 99
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$39,190
Higher in Houston

Cost of Living in Houston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,203
per year
Population
2,320,268
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Houston 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
+29%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-10%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-21%
Philadelphia, PA
$121,820
-7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Economist Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Houston, TX is $131,160 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $77,725 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $179,738 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston 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 Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 12.8% 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 Houston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.