Business & Finance Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Economist Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median economist salary in Paterson, NJ is $128,752 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 8.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$128,752
vs State Avg
$-11,394
vs National
+$14,812
Cost of Living
105%

Economist Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median economist salary of $128,752, which is $11,394 below the New Jersey state average of $140,146. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $70,060 at the 10th percentile to $223,740 at the 90th percentile — a $153,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,450, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,050. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level economist earns around $73,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,450
+$8,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$129,950
+$14,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,050
+$24,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $70,060
25th Percentile $92,660
Median (50th) $128,752
75th Percentile $175,150
90th Percentile $223,740

Economist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Economist in Paterson

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Paterson

Browse open economist positions in Paterson, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Paterson

How much does a Economist make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median economist salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $128,752 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $70,060 (10th percentile) to $223,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $128,752, a economist in Paterson earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for economist pay? ▼
Paterson's median economist salary of $128,752 is 8.1% below the New Jersey state average of $140,146. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $128,752 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Paterson? ▼
Most economist positions in Paterson 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.