Economist Salary in Meridian, ID: $111,661 (2026)

Economist Pay in Meridian: What to Expect (2026)

Meridian offers a median economist salary of $111,661, which is $4,557 above the Idaho state average of $107,104. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Meridian pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Meridian's cost of living is 98% 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 Meridian spans from $60,760 at the 10th percentile to $194,040 at the 90th percentile — a $133,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,300. With a population of 117,635, Meridian is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Meridian by Experience

In Meridian, an entry-level economist earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$63,700

$-1,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$112,700

$-2,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$181,300

$-3,700 vs national

Percentile	Meridian	ID State	National
10th Percentile	$60,760	$58,280	$62,000
25th Percentile	$80,360	$77,080	$82,000
Median (50th)	$111,661	$107,104	$113,940
75th Percentile	$151,900	$145,700	$155,000
90th Percentile	$194,040	$186,120	$198,000

Percentile

Meridian

10th Percentile

$60,760

25th Percentile

$80,360

Median (50th)

$111,661

75th Percentile

$151,900

90th Percentile

$194,040

How to Become a Economist in Meridian

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Meridian

How much does a Economist make in Meridian, ID? ▼

The median economist salary in Meridian, Idaho is $111,661 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $60,760 (10th percentile) to $194,040 (90th percentile).

How much does a Economist make per hour in Meridian? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $111,661, a economist in Meridian earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Meridian compare to the Idaho state average for economist pay? ▼

Meridian's median economist salary of $111,661 is 4.3% above the Idaho state average of $107,104. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Meridian, ID? ▼

Meridian has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $111,661 in Meridian has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most economist positions in Meridian 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 Meridian, Idaho