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Economist Salary in Seattle, WA

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

Median Salary
$129,280
per year in Seattle
Entry Level
$76,611
Starting salary
Senior Level
$177,162
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
147
47% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$76,611$129,280$177,162
Monthly$6,384$10,773$14,764
Biweekly$2,947$4,972$6,814
Weekly$1,473$2,486$3,407
Hourly$37$62$85

Seattle vs National Average

How Seattle's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Seattle Salary
$129,280
COL Index: 147
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$37,310
Higher in Seattle

Cost of Living in Seattle

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$78,340
per year
Population
753,675
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 147 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Seattle 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
+31%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
-9%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
-5%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+1%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
-20%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Economist Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Seattle, WA is $129,280 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $76,611 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $177,162 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle 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 Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 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 Seattle, 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.