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Economist Salary in West Chester, PA

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

Median Salary
$97,856
per year in West Chester
Entry Level
$57,989
Starting salary
Senior Level
$134,099
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$57,989$97,856$134,099
Monthly$4,832$8,155$11,175
Biweekly$2,230$3,764$5,158
Weekly$1,115$1,882$2,579
Hourly$28$47$64

West Chester vs National Average

How West Chester's economist salaries compare to national figures.

West Chester Salary
$97,856
COL Index: 112
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$5,886
Higher in West Chester

Cost of Living in West Chester

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
20,620
residents
Rent % of Income
31.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in West Chester 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
+73%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+21%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+26%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+34%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Economist Salary in West Chester, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in West Chester, PA is $97,856 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering West Chester's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in West Chester can expect to earn around $57,989 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $134,099 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

West Chester's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in West Chester 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 West Chester typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 16.6% 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 West Chester, 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.