Business & Finance San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Economist Salary in San Jose, California

The median economist salary in San Jose, CA is $191,419 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$191,419
vs State Avg
+$34,182
vs National
+$77,479
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median economist salary of $191,419, which is $34,182 above the California state average of $157,237. Compared to the national median of $113,940, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $191,419 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in San Jose spans from $104,160 at the 10th percentile to $332,640 at the 90th percentile — a $228,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $109,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $310,800. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level economist earns around $109,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $310,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$109,200
+$44,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$193,200
+$78,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$310,800
+$125,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $104,160
25th Percentile $137,760
Median (50th) $191,419
75th Percentile $260,400
90th Percentile $332,640

Economist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$207,371
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open economist positions in San Jose, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Economist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median economist salary in San Jose, California is $191,419 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $104,160 (10th percentile) to $332,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $191,419, a economist in San Jose earns approximately $92 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for economist pay? ▼
San Jose's median economist salary of $191,419 is 21.7% above the California state average of $157,237. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $191,419 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in San Jose? ▼
Most economist positions in San Jose 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.