Economist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $93,431 (2026)

Economist Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median economist salary of $93,431, which is $5,697 below the Kentucky state average of $99,128. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $93,431 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Owensboro spans from $50,840 at the 10th percentile to $162,360 at the 90th percentile — a $111,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,300, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,700. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level economist earns around $53,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,300

$-11,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$94,300

$-20,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$151,700

$-33,300 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$50,840	$53,940	$62,000
25th Percentile	$67,240	$71,340	$82,000
Median (50th)	$93,431	$99,128	$113,940
75th Percentile	$127,100	$134,850	$155,000
90th Percentile	$162,360	$172,260	$198,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$50,840

25th Percentile

$67,240

Median (50th)

$93,431

75th Percentile

$127,100

90th Percentile

$162,360

How to Become a Economist in Owensboro

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Economist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median economist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $93,431 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $50,840 (10th percentile) to $162,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Economist make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $93,431, a economist in Owensboro earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for economist pay? ▼

Owensboro's median economist salary of $93,431 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $99,128. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $93,431 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Owensboro? ▼

Most economist positions in Owensboro 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.

Economist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky