Business & Finance Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Economist Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median economist salary in Independence, MO is $96,849 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$96,849
vs State Avg
$-3,418
vs National
$-17,091
Cost of Living
85%

Economist Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median economist salary of $96,849, which is $3,418 below the Missouri state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $96,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Independence spans from $52,700 at the 10th percentile to $168,300 at the 90th percentile — a $115,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,250, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $157,250. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level economist earns around $55,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $157,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,250
$-9,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,750
$-17,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$157,250
$-27,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $52,700
25th Percentile $69,700
Median (50th) $96,849
75th Percentile $131,750
90th Percentile $168,300

Economist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$104,825
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$102,546
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$100,267
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$93,431
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Economist in Independence

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Independence

Browse open economist positions in Independence, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Independence

How much does a Economist make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median economist salary in Independence, Missouri is $96,849 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $52,700 (10th percentile) to $168,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,849, a economist in Independence earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for economist pay? ▼
Independence's median economist salary of $96,849 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $100,267. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $96,849 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Independence? ▼
Most economist positions in Independence 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.