Business & Finance San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Economist Salary in San Diego, California

The median economist salary in San Diego, CA is $161,795 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$161,795
vs State Avg
+$4,558
vs National
+$47,855
Cost of Living
142%

Economist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median economist salary of $161,795, which is $4,558 above the California state average of $157,237. Compared to the national median of $113,940, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $161,795 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in San Diego spans from $88,040 at the 10th percentile to $281,160 at the 90th percentile — a $193,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $92,300, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $262,700. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level economist earns around $92,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $262,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,300
+$27,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$163,300
+$48,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$262,700
+$77,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $88,040
25th Percentile $116,440
Median (50th) $161,795
75th Percentile $220,100
90th Percentile $281,160

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
Sacramento, CA
$134,449
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Economist in San Diego

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open economist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Economist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median economist salary in San Diego, California is $161,795 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $88,040 (10th percentile) to $281,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $161,795, a economist in San Diego earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for economist pay? ▼
San Diego's median economist salary of $161,795 is 2.9% above the California state average of $157,237. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $161,795 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in San Diego? ▼
Most economist positions in San Diego 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.