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Economist Salary in Olympia, WA

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

Median Salary
$113,307
per year in Olympia
Entry Level
$67,145
Starting salary
Senior Level
$155,273
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
110
10% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$67,145$113,307$155,273
Monthly$5,595$9,442$12,939
Biweekly$2,583$4,358$5,972
Weekly$1,291$2,179$2,986
Hourly$32$54$75

Olympia vs National Average

How Olympia's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Olympia Salary
$113,307
COL Index: 110
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$21,337
Higher in Olympia

Cost of Living in Olympia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
55,605
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Olympia 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
+49%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+4%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+9%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+16%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-8%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Economist Salary in Olympia, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Olympia, WA is $113,307 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Olympia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Olympia can expect to earn around $67,145 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $155,273 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Olympia's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Olympia 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 Olympia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 13.8% 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 Olympia, 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.