Business & Finance Lansing, MI Pop. 112,644

Economist Salary in Lansing, Michigan

The median economist salary in Lansing, MI is $97,988 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$97,988
vs State Avg
$-4,558
vs National
$-15,952
Cost of Living
86%

Economist Pay in Lansing: What to Expect (2026)

Lansing offers a median economist salary of $97,988, which is $4,558 below the Michigan state average of $102,546. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Lansing pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lansing's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $97,988 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Lansing an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Lansing spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $170,280 at the 90th percentile — a $116,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,100. With a population of 112,644, Lansing is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Lansing by Experience

In Lansing, an entry-level economist earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,900
$-16,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,100
$-25,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lansing, MI

Percentile Lansing
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $70,520
Median (50th) $97,988
75th Percentile $133,300
90th Percentile $170,280

Economist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$119,637
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$102,546
Pop. 198,917
Detroit, MI
$100,267
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$100,267
Pop. 139,387

How to Become a Economist in Lansing

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Lansing

Browse open economist positions in Lansing, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Lansing

How much does a Economist make in Lansing, MI? ▼
The median economist salary in Lansing, Michigan is $97,988 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Lansing? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,988, a economist in Lansing earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lansing compare to the Michigan state average for economist pay? ▼
Lansing's median economist salary of $97,988 is 4.4% below the Michigan state average of $102,546. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lansing, MI? ▼
Lansing has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $97,988 in Lansing has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Lansing? ▼
Most economist positions in Lansing 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.