Business & Finance Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

Economist Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median economist salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$104,825
vs State Avg
+$1,140
vs National
$-9,115
Cost of Living
92%

Economist Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median economist salary of $104,825, which is $1,140 above the Louisiana state average of $103,685. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for economists in Baton Rouge spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $125,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,200. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level economist earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,200
$-14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $57,040
25th Percentile $75,440
Median (50th) $104,825
75th Percentile $142,600
90th Percentile $182,160

Economist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$111,661
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$100,267
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$97,988
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$96,849
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Economist in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open economist positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a Economist make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median economist salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,825, a economist in Baton Rouge earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for economist pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median economist salary of $104,825 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $103,685. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $104,825 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most economist positions in Baton Rouge 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.