Business & Finance Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Economist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median economist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
+$1,139
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
88%

Economist Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $1,139 above the Alabama state average of $99,128. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Tuscaloosa spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$104,825
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$102,546
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$97,988
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$96,849
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Economist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open economist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Economist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median economist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for economist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median economist salary of $100,267 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $99,128. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $100,267 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most economist positions in Tuscaloosa require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.