Business & Finance Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Economist Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median economist salary in Lincoln, NE is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$104,825
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,115
Cost of Living
90%

Economist Pay in Lincoln: What to Expect (2026)

Lincoln offers a median economist salary of $104,825, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $104,825. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln'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 Lincoln spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $125,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,200. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level economist earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

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

Economist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

How to Become a Economist in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open economist positions in Lincoln, NE:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Economist make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median economist salary in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,825, a economist in Lincoln earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for economist pay? ▼
Lincoln's median economist salary of $104,825 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $104,825. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $104,825 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Lincoln? ▼
Most economist positions in Lincoln 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.