Business & Finance San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Economist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median economist salary in San Francisco, CA is $207,371 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$207,371
vs State Avg
+$50,134
vs National
+$93,431
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median economist salary of $207,371, which is $50,134 above the California state average of $157,237. Compared to the national median of $113,940, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $207,371 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in San Francisco spans from $112,840 at the 10th percentile to $360,360 at the 90th percentile — a $247,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $118,300, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $336,700. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level economist earns around $118,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $336,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$118,300
+$53,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$209,300
+$94,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$336,700
+$151,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $112,840
25th Percentile $149,240
Median (50th) $207,371
75th Percentile $282,100
90th Percentile $360,360

Economist Salary in Other California Cities

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

How to Become a Economist in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open economist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Economist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median economist salary in San Francisco, California is $207,371 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $112,840 (10th percentile) to $360,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $207,371, a economist in San Francisco earns approximately $100 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for economist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median economist salary of $207,371 is 31.9% above the California state average of $157,237. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $207,371 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in San Francisco? ▼
Most economist positions in San Francisco 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.