Economist Salary in Wichita, Kansas
The median economist salary in Wichita, KS is $96,849 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.3% below the Kansas state average.
Economist Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)
Wichita offers a median economist salary of $96,849, which is $2,279 below the Kansas state average of $99,128. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $96,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for economists in Wichita spans from $52,700 at the 10th percentile to $168,300 at the 90th percentile — a $115,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,250, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $157,250. With a population of 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Economist Salary in Wichita by Experience
In Wichita, an entry-level economist earns around $55,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $157,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Wichita, KS
| Percentile | Wichita |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,700 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,700 |
| Median (50th) | $96,849 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,300 |
Economist Salary in Other Kansas Cities
How to Become a Economist in Wichita
Education
Most economist positions require a master's degree. Wichita and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wichita may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Economist Jobs in Wichita
Browse open economist positions in Wichita, KS: