Business & Finance Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Economist Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median economist salary in Silver Spring, MD is $144,704 per year, which is 27.0% above the national median and 10.4% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$144,704
vs State Avg
+$13,673
vs National
+$30,764
Cost of Living
122%

Economist Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median economist salary of $144,704, which is $13,673 above the Maryland state average of $131,031. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $144,704 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $118,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Silver Spring spans from $78,740 at the 10th percentile to $251,460 at the 90th percentile — a $172,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,550, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $234,950. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level economist earns around $82,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $234,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,550
+$17,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$146,050
+$31,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$234,950
+$49,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $78,740
25th Percentile $104,140
Median (50th) $144,704
75th Percentile $196,850
90th Percentile $251,460

Economist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$140,146
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open economist positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Economist make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median economist salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $144,704 per year, which is 27.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $78,740 (10th percentile) to $251,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,704, a economist in Silver Spring earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for economist pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median economist salary of $144,704 is 10.4% above the Maryland state average of $131,031. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $144,704 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Silver Spring? ▼
Most economist positions in Silver Spring 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.