Business & Finance Scottsdale, AZ Pop. 241,361

Economist Salary in Scottsdale, Arizona

The median economist salary in Scottsdale, AZ is $127,613 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 15.5% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$127,613
vs State Avg
+$17,091
vs National
+$13,673
Cost of Living
112%

Economist Pay in Scottsdale: What to Expect (2026)

Scottsdale offers a median economist salary of $127,613, which is $17,091 above the Arizona state average of $110,522. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Scottsdale pays above average for this role.

However, Scottsdale's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,613 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Scottsdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Scottsdale spans from $69,440 at the 10th percentile to $221,760 at the 90th percentile — a $152,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,800, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $207,200. With a population of 241,361, Scottsdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Scottsdale by Experience

In Scottsdale, an entry-level economist earns around $72,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $207,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,800
+$7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,800
+$13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$207,200
+$22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Scottsdale, AZ

Percentile Scottsdale
10th Percentile $69,440
25th Percentile $91,840
Median (50th) $127,613
75th Percentile $173,600
90th Percentile $221,760

Economist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Chandler, AZ
$116,219
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$113,940
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$110,522
Pop. 504,258
Tucson, AZ
$105,964
Pop. 542,629

How to Become a Economist in Scottsdale

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Scottsdale

Browse open economist positions in Scottsdale, AZ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Scottsdale

How much does a Economist make in Scottsdale, AZ? ▼
The median economist salary in Scottsdale, Arizona is $127,613 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $69,440 (10th percentile) to $221,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Scottsdale? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,613, a economist in Scottsdale earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Scottsdale compare to the Arizona state average for economist pay? ▼
Scottsdale's median economist salary of $127,613 is 15.5% above the Arizona state average of $110,522. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Scottsdale, AZ? ▼
Scottsdale has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $127,613 in Scottsdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Scottsdale? ▼
Most economist positions in Scottsdale 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.