Economist Salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL: $131,031 (2026)

Economist Pay in Fort Lauderdale: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Lauderdale offers a median economist salary of $131,031, which is $19,370 above the Florida state average of $111,661. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Fort Lauderdale pays above average for this role.

However, Fort Lauderdale's cost of living index is 115%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $131,031 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Fort Lauderdale should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Fort Lauderdale spans from $71,300 at the 10th percentile to $227,700 at the 90th percentile — a $156,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,750, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $212,750. With a population of 182,760, Fort Lauderdale is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Fort Lauderdale by Experience

In Fort Lauderdale, an entry-level economist earns around $74,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $212,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$74,750

+$9,750 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$132,250

+$17,250 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$212,750

+$27,750 vs national

Percentile	Fort Lauderdale	FL State	National
10th Percentile	$71,300	$60,760	$62,000
25th Percentile	$94,300	$80,360	$82,000
Median (50th)	$131,031	$111,661	$113,940
75th Percentile	$178,250	$151,900	$155,000
90th Percentile	$227,700	$194,040	$198,000

Percentile

Fort Lauderdale

10th Percentile

$71,300

25th Percentile

$94,300

Median (50th)

$131,031

75th Percentile

$178,250

90th Percentile

$227,700

How to Become a Economist in Fort Lauderdale

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida 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 Fort Lauderdale may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Fort Lauderdale

How much does a Economist make in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

The median economist salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is $131,031 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $71,300 (10th percentile) to $227,700 (90th percentile).

How much does a Economist make per hour in Fort Lauderdale? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $131,031, a economist in Fort Lauderdale earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Lauderdale compare to the Florida state average for economist pay? ▼

Fort Lauderdale's median economist salary of $131,031 is 17.3% above the Florida state average of $111,661. The local cost of living index is 115% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL? ▼

Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 115% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $131,031 in Fort Lauderdale has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Fort Lauderdale? ▼

Most economist positions in Fort Lauderdale 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.

Economist Salary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida