Business & Finance South Bend, IN Pop. 103,453

Economist Salary in South Bend, Indiana

The median economist salary in South Bend, IN is $94,570 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 7.8% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$94,570
vs State Avg
$-7,976
vs National
$-19,370
Cost of Living
83%

Economist Pay in South Bend: What to Expect (2026)

South Bend offers a median economist salary of $94,570, which is $7,976 below the Indiana state average of $102,546. Compared to the national median of $113,940, South Bend pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of South Bend's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $94,570 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes South Bend an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in South Bend spans from $51,460 at the 10th percentile to $164,340 at the 90th percentile — a $112,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,950, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,550. With a population of 103,453, South Bend is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in South Bend by Experience

In South Bend, an entry-level economist earns around $53,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,950
$-11,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,450
$-19,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,550
$-31,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Bend, IN

Percentile South Bend
10th Percentile $51,460
25th Percentile $68,060
Median (50th) $94,570
75th Percentile $128,650
90th Percentile $164,340

Economist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$119,637
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$105,964
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$96,849
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$95,710
Pop. 117,429

How to Become a Economist in South Bend

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in South Bend

Browse open economist positions in South Bend, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in South Bend

How much does a Economist make in South Bend, IN? ▼
The median economist salary in South Bend, Indiana is $94,570 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $51,460 (10th percentile) to $164,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in South Bend? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,570, a economist in South Bend earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Bend compare to the Indiana state average for economist pay? ▼
South Bend's median economist salary of $94,570 is 7.8% below the Indiana state average of $102,546. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Bend, IN? ▼
South Bend has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $94,570 in South Bend has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in South Bend? ▼
Most economist positions in South Bend 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.