Business & Finance Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Economist Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median economist salary in Sioux City, IA is $95,710 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$95,710
vs State Avg
$-5,697
vs National
$-18,230
Cost of Living
84%

Economist Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median economist salary of $95,710, which is $5,697 below the Iowa state average of $101,407. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $95,710 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Sioux City spans from $52,080 at the 10th percentile to $166,320 at the 90th percentile — a $114,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,400. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level economist earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
$-10,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,600
$-18,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,400
$-29,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $52,080
25th Percentile $68,880
Median (50th) $95,710
75th Percentile $130,200
90th Percentile $166,320

Economist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$108,243
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$104,825
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$100,267
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$97,988
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Economist in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open economist positions in Sioux City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Economist make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median economist salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $95,710 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $52,080 (10th percentile) to $166,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,710, a economist in Sioux City earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for economist pay? ▼
Sioux City's median economist salary of $95,710 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $101,407. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $95,710 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Sioux City? ▼
Most economist positions in Sioux City 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.