Business & Finance Mesa, AZ Pop. 504,258

Economist Salary in Mesa, Arizona

The median economist salary in Mesa, AZ is $110,522 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 0.0% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$110,522
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,418
Cost of Living
97%

Economist Pay in Mesa: What to Expect (2026)

Mesa offers a median economist salary of $110,522, which is $0 above the Arizona state average of $110,522. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Mesa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Mesa's cost of living is 97% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for economists in Mesa spans from $60,140 at the 10th percentile to $192,060 at the 90th percentile — a $131,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,050, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,450. As a major metro area with a population of 504,258, Mesa typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Mesa by Experience

In Mesa, an entry-level economist earns around $63,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,050
$-1,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,550
$-3,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,450
$-5,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mesa, AZ

Percentile Mesa
10th Percentile $60,140
25th Percentile $79,540
Median (50th) $110,522
75th Percentile $150,350
90th Percentile $192,060

Economist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Economist in Mesa

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Mesa

Browse open economist positions in Mesa, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Mesa

How much does a Economist make in Mesa, AZ? ▼
The median economist salary in Mesa, Arizona is $110,522 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $60,140 (10th percentile) to $192,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Mesa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,522, a economist in Mesa earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mesa compare to the Arizona state average for economist pay? ▼
Mesa's median economist salary of $110,522 is 0.0% above the Arizona state average of $110,522. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mesa, AZ? ▼
Mesa has a cost of living index of 97% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $110,522 in Mesa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Mesa? ▼
Most economist positions in Mesa 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.