Business & Finance Anchorage, AK Pop. 291,247

Economist Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

The median economist salary in Anchorage, AK is $143,564 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 1.6% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$143,564
vs State Avg
+$2,278
vs National
+$29,624
Cost of Living
126%

Economist Pay in Anchorage: What to Expect (2026)

Anchorage offers a median economist salary of $143,564, which is $2,278 above the Alaska state average of $141,286. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Anchorage pays above average for this role.

However, Anchorage's cost of living index is 126%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $143,564 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Anchorage spans from $78,120 at the 10th percentile to $249,480 at the 90th percentile — a $171,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,900, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $233,100. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level economist earns around $81,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $233,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,900
+$16,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,900
+$29,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$233,100
+$48,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Anchorage, AK

Percentile Anchorage
10th Percentile $78,120
25th Percentile $103,320
Median (50th) $143,564
75th Percentile $195,300
90th Percentile $249,480

Economist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$153,819
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$150,401
Pop. 8,458
Fairbanks, AK
$148,122
Pop. 32,325
Wasilla, AK
$134,449
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Economist in Anchorage

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Anchorage and the surrounding Alaska 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 Anchorage may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Anchorage

Browse open economist positions in Anchorage, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Economist make in Anchorage, AK? ▼
The median economist salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $143,564 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $78,120 (10th percentile) to $249,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Anchorage? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $143,564, a economist in Anchorage earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for economist pay? ▼
Anchorage's median economist salary of $143,564 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $141,286. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK? ▼
Anchorage has a cost of living index of 126% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $143,564 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Anchorage? ▼
Most economist positions in Anchorage 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.