Economist Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri
The median economist salary in Saint Louis, MO is $102,546 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.
Economist Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)
Saint Louis offers a median economist salary of $102,546, which is $2,279 above the Missouri state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for economists in Saint Louis spans from $55,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $122,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,500. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Economist Salary in Saint Louis by Experience
In Saint Louis, an entry-level economist earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Saint Louis, MO
| Percentile | Saint Louis |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,800 |
| Median (50th) | $102,546 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $178,200 |
Economist Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Economist in Saint Louis
Education
Most economist positions require a master's degree. Saint Louis and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Saint Louis may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Economist Jobs in Saint Louis
Browse open economist positions in Saint Louis, MO: