Business & Finance Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Economist Salary in Mississippi

The median economist salary in Mississippi is $94,570 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $113,940.

Median Salary
$94,570
vs National
$-19,370
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Economist Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for economist compensation. Economist salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $94,570 per year, economists in Mississippi earn $19,370 less than the national median of $113,940.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $94,570 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $113,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: economists at the 10th percentile earn $51,460, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $164,340 — a $112,880 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $96,849.

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 Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level economist earns around $53,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,550 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,950
$-11,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,450
$-19,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,550
$-31,450 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $51,460
25th Percentile $68,060
Median (50th) $94,570
75th Percentile $128,650
90th Percentile $164,340

Economist Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for economists in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Economist in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Economist make in Mississippi? ▼
The median economist salary in Mississippi is $94,570 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $51,460 (10th percentile) to $164,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,570, a economist in Mississippi earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for economists? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for economist pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level economists earn $53,950, while senior professionals earn $153,550.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for economist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for economists is Hawaii at $193,698. Mississippi's median of $94,570 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($95,710) and West Virginia ($95,710).
What is the entry-level economist salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level economist in Mississippi earns approximately $53,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $95,450. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $153,550.
What city in Mississippi pays economists the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for economists, with a median salary of $96,849. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.