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Economist Salary in Reston, VA

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

Median Salary
$131,112
per year in Reston
Entry Level
$77,697
Starting salary
Senior Level
$179,673
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 Reston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$77,697$131,112$179,673
Monthly$6,475$10,926$14,973
Biweekly$2,988$5,043$6,911
Weekly$1,494$2,521$3,455
Hourly$37$63$86

Reston vs National Average

How Reston's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Reston Salary
$131,112
COL Index: 132
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$39,142
Higher in Reston

Cost of Living in Reston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,750
per month
Median Income
$112,234
per year
Population
63,890
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Reston 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%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+0%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-21%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Economist Salary in Reston, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Reston, VA is $131,112 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Reston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Reston can expect to earn around $77,697 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $179,673 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Reston's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Reston 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 Reston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,750 per month, housing represents about 16.0% 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 Reston, 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.