Business & Finance Phoenix, AZ Pop. 1,608,139

Economist Salary in Phoenix, Arizona

The median economist salary in Phoenix, AZ is $113,940 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.1% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$113,940
vs State Avg
+$3,418
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Economist Pay in Phoenix: What to Expect (2026)

Phoenix offers a median economist salary of $113,940, which is $3,418 above the Arizona state average of $110,522. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Phoenix pays above average for this role.

Phoenix's cost of living is 100% 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 Phoenix spans from $62,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,000 at the 90th percentile — a $136,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,000, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,608,139, Phoenix typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Phoenix by Experience

In Phoenix, an entry-level economist earns around $65,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Phoenix, AZ

Percentile Phoenix
10th Percentile $62,000
25th Percentile $82,000
Median (50th) $113,940
75th Percentile $155,000
90th Percentile $198,000

Economist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Economist in Phoenix

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Phoenix 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 Phoenix may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Phoenix

Browse open economist positions in Phoenix, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Phoenix

How much does a Economist make in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
The median economist salary in Phoenix, Arizona is $113,940 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $62,000 (10th percentile) to $198,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Phoenix? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,940, a economist in Phoenix earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Phoenix compare to the Arizona state average for economist pay? ▼
Phoenix's median economist salary of $113,940 is 3.1% above the Arizona state average of $110,522. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $113,940 in Phoenix has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Phoenix? ▼
Most economist positions in Phoenix 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.