Home / City Job Salaries / Economist in McLean

Economist Salary in McLean, VA

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

Median Salary
$147,005
per year in McLean
Entry Level
$87,114
Starting salary
Senior Level
$201,451
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
148
48% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$87,114$147,005$201,451
Monthly$7,260$12,250$16,788
Biweekly$3,351$5,654$7,748
Weekly$1,675$2,827$3,874
Hourly$42$71$97

McLean vs National Average

How McLean's economist salaries compare to national figures.

McLean Salary
$147,005
COL Index: 148
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$55,035
Higher in McLean

Cost of Living in McLean

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$192,821
per year
Population
51,030
residents
Rent % of Income
13.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 148 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in McLean 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
+15%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-20%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-16%
Houston, TX
$131,160
-11%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-29%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 McLean.

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 McLean.

Economist Salary in McLean, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in McLean, VA is $147,005 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 148. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering McLean's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in McLean can expect to earn around $87,114 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $201,451 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

McLean's cost of living index of 148 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in McLean 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 McLean typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 18.0% 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 McLean, 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.