Business & Finance Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Economist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median economist salary in Lafayette, LA is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
$-3,418
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
88%

Economist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $3,418 below the Louisiana state average of $103,685. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Lafayette spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$111,661
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$104,825
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$97,988
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$96,849
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Economist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open economist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Economist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median economist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Lafayette earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for economist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median economist salary of $100,267 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $103,685. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $100,267 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Lafayette? ▼
Most economist positions in Lafayette 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.