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Economist Salary in San Jose, CA

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

Median Salary
$214,253
per year in San Jose
Entry Level
$126,966
Starting salary
Senior Level
$293,606
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
182
82% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$126,966$214,253$293,606
Monthly$10,581$17,854$24,467
Biweekly$4,883$8,241$11,293
Weekly$2,442$4,120$5,646
Hourly$61$103$141

San Jose vs National Average

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

San Jose Salary
$214,253
COL Index: 182
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$122,283
Higher in San Jose

Cost of Living in San Jose

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,800
per month
Median Income
$95,634
per year
Population
1,021,795
residents
Rent % of Income
35.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 182 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Jose 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
-21%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-45%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-43%
Houston, TX
$131,160
-39%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-51%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in San Jose, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in San Jose, CA is $214,253 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 182. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Jose's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in San Jose can expect to earn around $126,966 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $293,606 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Jose's cost of living index of 182 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Jose 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 Jose typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,800 per month, housing represents about 15.7% 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 Jose, 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.