Economists Salary in Ann Arbor, MI
In Ann Arbor, MI, economists earn $120,410 at the median, or about $57.89 an hour. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $238K for experienced workers. Note: the mean (average) wage is $183K, significantly higher than the median. This typically reflects a mix of employment settings including academic and private practice positions. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 100.88), that's roughly $119,360 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,656/month, or 22.7% of estimated take-home pay.
So what does $120K get you in Ann Arbor?
Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare scaled from national averages by Ann Arbor’s Regional Price Parity (100.88). Rent from HUD Fair Market Rents. Taxes estimated for single filer, standard deduction. * Healthcare is the employee-paid share only (premiums + out-of-pocket). Actual costs vary by coverage type: employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace, or uninsured.
About economists
Sponsored links — AffordMap may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Ann Arbor, MI
Entry-level economists (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $120K. Top earners bring in $238K or more, a $160K spread from bottom to top.
Economists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $163K | +41% | 3,010 |
| Virginia | $148K | +28% | 970 |
| New York | $142K | +23% | 870 |
| Maryland | $138K | +19% | 920 |
| Georgia | $127K | +10% | 340 |
| Ohio | $118K | +2% | 130 |
| Washington | $116K | +1% | 470 |
| Missouri | $116K | +0% | 210 |
| Kansas | $115K | -0% | 110 |
| Pennsylvania | $113K | -2% | 710 |
| Illinois | $113K | -2% | 590 |
| North Carolina | $112K | -3% | 250 |
| Oregon | $112K | -3% | 270 |
| Tennessee | $110K | -4% | N/A |
| Alaska | $109K | -6% | N/A |
| Minnesota | $107K | -7% | 210 |
| Texas | $106K | -8% | 620 |
| Alabama | $103K | -10% | 40 |
| Connecticut | $103K | -11% | 200 |
| Massachusetts | $103K | -11% | 770 |
| New Jersey | $102K | -11% | 110 |
| California | $101K | -13% | 1,400 |
| Arizona | $96K | -17% | N/A |
| Montana | $96K | -17% | 70 |
| Indiana | $96K | -17% | 60 |
| Michigan | $95K | -18% | 280 |
| Iowa | $93K | -20% | 70 |
| Florida | $89K | -23% | 460 |
| Louisiana | $89K | -23% | 70 |
| Nevada | $85K | -27% | 90 |
| New Mexico | $82K | -29% | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $82K | -29% | N/A |
| Hawaii | $82K | -29% | 60 |
| Maine | $81K | -30% | 60 |
| Idaho | $79K | -32% | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $77K | -33% | 330 |
| Nebraska | $67K | -42% | 90 |
| Kentucky | $65K | -43% | 160 |
| South Carolina | $52K | -55% | 660 |
Showing 1–10 of 39 states
BLS does not publish data for every state when sample sizes are too small
Track economists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Ann Arbor numbers change.
Related careers in Science
Frequently asked questions
How much do economists make in Ann Arbor, MI?
The median is $120,410 a year, that works out to about $58 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $77,760, and experienced economists can clear $237,640. The mean (average) is $183,190, reflecting that some workers earn substantially more. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $120K enough to live in Ann Arbor?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,328/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,656/month, which eats 22.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a economists salary go in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has a Regional Price Parity of 100.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median economists salary is worth about $119,360 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do economists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.