Business & Finance Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Economist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median economist salary in Sacramento, CA is $134,449 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$134,449
vs State Avg
$-22,788
vs National
+$20,509
Cost of Living
118%

Economist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median economist salary of $134,449, which is $22,788 below the California state average of $157,237. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $134,449 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Sacramento spans from $73,160 at the 10th percentile to $233,640 at the 90th percentile — a $160,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,700, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,300. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level economist earns around $76,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,700
+$11,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,700
+$20,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,300
+$33,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $73,160
25th Percentile $96,760
Median (50th) $134,449
75th Percentile $182,900
90th Percentile $233,640

Economist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$207,371
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$191,419
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$166,352
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$161,795
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Economist in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open economist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Economist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median economist salary in Sacramento, California is $134,449 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $73,160 (10th percentile) to $233,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,449, a economist in Sacramento earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for economist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median economist salary of $134,449 is 14.5% below the California state average of $157,237. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $134,449 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Sacramento? ▼
Most economist positions in Sacramento 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.