Business & Finance Naperville, IL Pop. 149,540

Economist Salary in Naperville, Illinois

The median economist salary in Naperville, IL is $129,892 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 12.9% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$129,892
vs State Avg
+$14,813
vs National
+$15,952
Cost of Living
108%

Economist Pay in Naperville: What to Expect (2026)

Naperville offers a median economist salary of $129,892, which is $14,813 above the Illinois state average of $115,079. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Naperville pays above average for this role.

Naperville's cost of living is 108% 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 Naperville spans from $70,680 at the 10th percentile to $225,720 at the 90th percentile — a $155,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,100, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $210,900. With a population of 149,540, Naperville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Naperville by Experience

In Naperville, an entry-level economist earns around $74,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $210,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,100
+$9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,100
+$16,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$210,900
+$25,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Naperville, IL

Percentile Naperville
10th Percentile $70,680
25th Percentile $93,480
Median (50th) $129,892
75th Percentile $176,700
90th Percentile $225,720

Economist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Economist in Naperville

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Naperville

Browse open economist positions in Naperville, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Naperville

How much does a Economist make in Naperville, IL? ▼
The median economist salary in Naperville, Illinois is $129,892 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $70,680 (10th percentile) to $225,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Naperville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,892, a economist in Naperville earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Naperville compare to the Illinois state average for economist pay? ▼
Naperville's median economist salary of $129,892 is 12.9% above the Illinois state average of $115,079. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Naperville, IL? ▼
Naperville has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $129,892 in Naperville has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Naperville? ▼
Most economist positions in Naperville 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.