Business & Finance Minnesota (MN) Rank #19 of 50

Economist Salary in Minnesota

The median economist salary in Minnesota is $112,801 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $113,940.

Median Salary
$112,801
vs National
$-1,139
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Economist Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #19 out of 50 states for economist compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for economist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $112,801 per year, economists in Minnesota earn $1,139 less than the national median of $113,940.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning economist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: economists at the 10th percentile earn $61,380, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $196,020 — a $134,640 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $121,916.

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for economists across the country.

Economist Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level economist earns around $64,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $183,150 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,350
$-650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,850
$-1,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$183,150
$-1,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $61,380
25th Percentile $81,180
Median (50th) $112,801
75th Percentile $153,450
90th Percentile $196,020

Economist Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for economists in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Economist in Minnesota

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Economist make in Minnesota? ▼
The median economist salary in Minnesota is $112,801 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $61,380 (10th percentile) to $196,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,801, a economist in Minnesota earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for economists? ▼
Minnesota ranks #19 out of 50 states for economist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level economists earn $64,350, while senior professionals earn $183,150.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for economist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for economists is Hawaii at $193,698. Minnesota's median of $112,801 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Vermont ($115,079) and Pennsylvania ($113,940).
What is the entry-level economist salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level economist in Minnesota earns approximately $64,350 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $183,150.
What city in Minnesota pays economists the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for economists, with a median salary of $121,916. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.