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Economist Salary in San Francisco, CA

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

Median Salary
$224,848
per year in San Francisco
Entry Level
$133,244
Starting salary
Senior Level
$308,125
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
191
91% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$133,244$224,848$308,125
Monthly$11,104$18,737$25,677
Biweekly$5,125$8,648$11,851
Weekly$2,562$4,324$5,925
Hourly$64$108$148

San Francisco vs National Average

How San Francisco's economist salaries compare to national figures.

San Francisco Salary
$224,848
COL Index: 191
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$132,878
Higher in San Francisco

Cost of Living in San Francisco

1-Bedroom Rent
$3,400
per month
Median Income
$92,345
per year
Population
815,201
residents
Rent % of Income
44.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 191 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Francisco 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
-25%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-47%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-45%
Houston, TX
$131,160
-42%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-54%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Economist Salary in San Francisco, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in San Francisco, CA is $224,848 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 191. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Francisco's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in San Francisco can expect to earn around $133,244 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $308,125 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Francisco's cost of living index of 191 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Francisco 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 San Francisco typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $3,400 per month, housing represents about 18.1% 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 San Francisco, 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.