Business & Finance Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Economist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median economist salary in Columbia, MD is $140,146 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$140,146
vs State Avg
+$9,115
vs National
+$26,206
Cost of Living
118%

Economist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median economist salary of $140,146, which is $9,115 above the Maryland state average of $131,031. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $140,146 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $118,768. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Columbia spans from $76,260 at the 10th percentile to $243,540 at the 90th percentile — a $167,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,950, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $227,550. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level economist earns around $79,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $227,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,950
+$14,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$141,450
+$26,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$227,550
+$42,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $76,260
25th Percentile $100,860
Median (50th) $140,146
75th Percentile $190,650
90th Percentile $243,540

Economist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$144,704
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$136,728
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$128,752
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$125,334
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Economist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open economist positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Economist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median economist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $140,146 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $76,260 (10th percentile) to $243,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,146, a economist in Columbia earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for economist pay? ▼
Columbia's median economist salary of $140,146 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $131,031. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $140,146 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Columbia? ▼
Most economist positions in Columbia 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.