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Economist Salary in Orinda, CA

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

Median Salary
$186,000
per year in Orinda
Entry Level
$110,223
Starting salary
Senior Level
$254,889
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$110,223$186,000$254,889
Monthly$9,185$15,500$21,241
Biweekly$4,239$7,154$9,803
Weekly$2,120$3,577$4,902
Hourly$53$89$123

Orinda vs National Average

How Orinda's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Orinda Salary
$186,000
COL Index: 158
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$94,030
Higher in Orinda

Cost of Living in Orinda

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,400
per month
Median Income
$192,821
per year
Population
19,860
residents
Rent % of Income
14.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Orinda 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
-9%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-36%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-34%
Houston, TX
$131,160
-29%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-44%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in Orinda, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Orinda, CA is $186,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Orinda's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Orinda can expect to earn around $110,223 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $254,889 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Orinda's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Orinda 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 Orinda typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,400 per month, housing represents about 15.5% 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 Orinda, 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.