Business & Finance Billings, MT Pop. 117,116

Economist Salary in Billings, Montana

The median economist salary in Billings, MT is $109,382 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 1.1% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$109,382
vs State Avg
+$1,139
vs National
$-4,558
Cost of Living
96%

Economist Pay in Billings: What to Expect (2026)

Billings offers a median economist salary of $109,382, which is $1,139 above the Montana state average of $108,243. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Billings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Billings's cost of living is 96% 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 Billings spans from $59,520 at the 10th percentile to $190,080 at the 90th percentile — a $130,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,400, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $177,600. With a population of 117,116, Billings is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Billings by Experience

In Billings, an entry-level economist earns around $62,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $177,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,400
$-4,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$177,600
$-7,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Billings, MT

Percentile Billings
10th Percentile $59,520
25th Percentile $78,720
Median (50th) $109,382
75th Percentile $148,800
90th Percentile $190,080

Economist Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Economist in Billings

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Billings

Browse open economist positions in Billings, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Billings

How much does a Economist make in Billings, MT? ▼
The median economist salary in Billings, Montana is $109,382 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $59,520 (10th percentile) to $190,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Billings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,382, a economist in Billings earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Billings compare to the Montana state average for economist pay? ▼
Billings's median economist salary of $109,382 is 1.1% above the Montana state average of $108,243. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Billings, MT? ▼
Billings has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $109,382 in Billings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Billings? ▼
Most economist positions in Billings 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.