Business & Finance Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Economist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median economist salary in Boston, MA is $181,165 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$181,165
vs State Avg
+$19,370
vs National
+$67,225
Cost of Living
152%

Economist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median economist salary of $181,165, which is $19,370 above the Massachusetts state average of $161,795. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $181,165 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $119,188. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Boston spans from $98,580 at the 10th percentile to $314,820 at the 90th percentile — a $216,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,350, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $294,150. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level economist earns around $103,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $294,150 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,350
+$38,350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$182,850
+$67,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$294,150
+$109,150 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $98,580
25th Percentile $130,380
Median (50th) $181,165
75th Percentile $246,450
90th Percentile $314,820

Economist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$190,280
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$133,310
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$127,613
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$119,637
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Economist in Boston

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Boston

Browse open economist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Boston

How much does a Economist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median economist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $181,165 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $98,580 (10th percentile) to $314,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $181,165, a economist in Boston earns approximately $87 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for economist pay? ▼
Boston's median economist salary of $181,165 is 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average of $161,795. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $181,165 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Boston? ▼
Most economist positions in Boston 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.