Economists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, economists earn $157,980 at the median — $75.95 an hour. The range runs from $84K at the entry level to $224K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $145,096 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 24.1% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $158K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About economists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level economists (10th percentile) start around $84K. Mid-career wages sit at $158K.Top earners bring in $224K or more - a $139K 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 |
Track economists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do economists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $157,980 a year - that works out to about $75.95 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $84,400, and experienced economists can clear $223,810. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $158K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,012/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 24.9% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $145,096 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.