Business & Finance Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Economist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median economist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $166,352 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$166,352
vs State Avg
+$9,115
vs National
+$52,412
Cost of Living
146%

Economist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median economist salary of $166,352, which is $9,115 above the California state average of $157,237. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $166,352 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Los Angeles spans from $90,520 at the 10th percentile to $289,080 at the 90th percentile — a $198,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,900, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $270,100. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level economist earns around $94,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $270,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,900
+$29,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$167,900
+$52,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$270,100
+$85,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $90,520
25th Percentile $119,720
Median (50th) $166,352
75th Percentile $226,300
90th Percentile $289,080

Economist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$207,371
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$191,419
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$161,795
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$134,449
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Economist in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open economist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Economist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median economist salary in Los Angeles, California is $166,352 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $90,520 (10th percentile) to $289,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $166,352, a economist in Los Angeles earns approximately $80 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for economist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median economist salary of $166,352 is 5.8% above the California state average of $157,237. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $166,352 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most economist positions in Los Angeles 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.