Business & Finance Nebraska (NE) Rank #30 of 50

Economist Salary in Nebraska

The median economist salary in Nebraska is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $113,940.

Median Salary
$104,825
vs National
$-9,115
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Economist Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #30 out of 50 states for economist compensation. Economist salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $104,825 per year, economists in Nebraska earn $9,115 less than the national median of $113,940.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $104,825 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $116,472 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: economists at the 10th percentile earn $57,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $182,160 — a $125,120 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $108,243.

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 Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level economist earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,200
$-14,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $57,040
25th Percentile $75,440
Median (50th) $104,825
75th Percentile $142,600
90th Percentile $182,160

Economist Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for economists in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Economist in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Economist make in Nebraska? ▼
The median economist salary in Nebraska is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,825, a economist in Nebraska earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for economists? ▼
Nebraska ranks #30 out of 50 states for economist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level economists earn $59,800, while senior professionals earn $170,200.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for economist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for economists is Hawaii at $193,698. Nebraska's median of $104,825 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($107,104) and New Mexico ($105,964).
What is the entry-level economist salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level economist in Nebraska earns approximately $59,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $105,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $170,200.
What city in Nebraska pays economists the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for economists, with a median salary of $108,243. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.