Business & Finance Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Economist Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median economist salary in Topeka, KS is $94,570 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$94,570
vs State Avg
$-4,558
vs National
$-19,370
Cost of Living
83%

Economist Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median economist salary of $94,570, which is $4,558 below the Kansas state average of $99,128. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka'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 Topeka an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Topeka 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 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, 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 Topeka, KS

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

Economist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Economist in Topeka

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Topeka

Browse open economist positions in Topeka, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Topeka

How much does a Economist make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median economist salary in Topeka, Kansas 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 Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,570, a economist in Topeka earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for economist pay? ▼
Topeka's median economist salary of $94,570 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $99,128. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $94,570 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Topeka? ▼
Most economist positions in Topeka 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.