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Economist Salary in Santa Ana, CA

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

Median Salary
$178,937
per year in Santa Ana
Entry Level
$106,037
Starting salary
Senior Level
$245,210
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
152
52% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$106,037$178,937$245,210
Monthly$8,836$14,911$20,434
Biweekly$4,078$6,882$9,431
Weekly$2,039$3,441$4,716
Hourly$51$86$118

Santa Ana vs National Average

How Santa Ana's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Santa Ana Salary
$178,937
COL Index: 152
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$86,967
Higher in Santa Ana

Cost of Living in Santa Ana

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,150
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
310,127
residents
Rent % of Income
44.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 152 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Santa Ana 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
-6%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-34%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-31%
Houston, TX
$131,160
-27%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-42%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Economist Salary in Santa Ana, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Santa Ana, CA is $178,937 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 152. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Santa Ana's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Santa Ana can expect to earn around $106,037 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $245,210 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Santa Ana's cost of living index of 152 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,150 per month, housing represents about 14.4% 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 Santa Ana, 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.