Business & Finance Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Economist Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median economist salary in Atlanta, GA is $118,498 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 9.5% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$118,498
vs State Avg
+$10,255
vs National
+$4,558
Cost of Living
102%

Economist Pay in Atlanta: What to Expect (2026)

Atlanta offers a median economist salary of $118,498, which is $10,255 above the Georgia state average of $108,243. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for economists in Atlanta spans from $64,480 at the 10th percentile to $205,920 at the 90th percentile — a $141,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,600, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $192,400. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level economist earns around $67,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $192,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,600
+$2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,600
+$4,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$192,400
+$7,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $64,480
25th Percentile $85,280
Median (50th) $118,498
75th Percentile $161,200
90th Percentile $205,920

Economist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a Economist in Atlanta

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open economist positions in Atlanta, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Economist make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median economist salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $118,498 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $64,480 (10th percentile) to $205,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,498, a economist in Atlanta earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for economist pay? ▼
Atlanta's median economist salary of $118,498 is 9.5% above the Georgia state average of $108,243. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $118,498 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Atlanta? ▼
Most economist positions in Atlanta 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.