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Economist Salary in Portland, OR

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

Median Salary
$116,880
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$69,263
Starting salary
Senior Level
$160,169
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$69,263$116,880$160,169
Monthly$5,772$9,740$13,347
Biweekly$2,664$4,495$6,160
Weekly$1,332$2,248$3,080
Hourly$33$56$77

Portland vs National Average

How Portland's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Portland Salary
$116,880
COL Index: 132
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$24,910
Higher in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$66,789
per year
Population
652,503
residents
Rent % of Income
34.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Portland 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
+44%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+1%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+5%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+12%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-11%

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 Portland, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Portland, OR is $116,880 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Portland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Portland can expect to earn around $69,263 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $160,169 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Portland 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 Portland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,900 per month, housing represents about 19.5% 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 Portland, 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.