Business & Finance Bowling Green, KY Pop. 74,735

Economist Salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky

The median economist salary in Bowling Green, KY is $95,710 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 3.4% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$95,710
vs State Avg
$-3,418
vs National
$-18,230
Cost of Living
84%

Economist Pay in Bowling Green: What to Expect (2026)

Bowling Green offers a median economist salary of $95,710, which is $3,418 below the Kentucky state average of $99,128. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Bowling Green pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for economists in Bowling Green 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. Bowling Green is a smaller market (pop. 74,735), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Bowling Green by Experience

In Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, KY

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

Economist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$105,964
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$104,825
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$100,267
Pop. 40,961
Owensboro, KY
$93,431
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Economist in Bowling Green

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Bowling Green

Browse open economist positions in Bowling Green, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Bowling Green

How much does a Economist make in Bowling Green, KY? ▼
The median economist salary in Bowling Green, Kentucky 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 Bowling Green? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,710, a economist in Bowling Green earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bowling Green compare to the Kentucky state average for economist pay? ▼
Bowling Green's median economist salary of $95,710 is 3.4% below the Kentucky state average of $99,128. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bowling Green, KY? ▼
Bowling Green has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $95,710 in Bowling Green has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Bowling Green? ▼
Most economist positions in Bowling Green 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.