Business & Finance New York City, NY Pop. 8,336,817

Economist Salary in New York City, New York

The median economist salary in New York City, NY is $226,741 per year, which is 99.0% above the national median and 48.5% above the New York state average.

City Median
$226,741
vs State Avg
+$74,061
vs National
+$112,801
Cost of Living
187%

Economist Pay in New York City: What to Expect (2026)

New York City offers a median economist salary of $226,741, which is $74,061 above the New York state average of $152,680. Compared to the national median of $113,940, New York City pays above average for this role.

However, New York City's cost of living index is 187%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $226,741 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $121,252. Housing, transportation, and food costs in New York City should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in New York City spans from $123,380 at the 10th percentile to $394,020 at the 90th percentile — a $270,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $129,350, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $368,150. As a major metro area with a population of 8,336,817, New York City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in New York City by Experience

In New York City, an entry-level economist earns around $129,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $368,150 per year. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$129,350
+$64,350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$228,850
+$113,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$368,150
+$183,150 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New York City, NY

Percentile New York City
10th Percentile $123,380
25th Percentile $163,180
Median (50th) $226,741
75th Percentile $308,450
90th Percentile $394,020

Economist Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Economist in New York City

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in New York City

Browse open economist positions in New York City, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in New York City

How much does a Economist make in New York City, NY? ▼
The median economist salary in New York City, New York is $226,741 per year, which is 99.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $123,380 (10th percentile) to $394,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in New York City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $226,741, a economist in New York City earns approximately $109 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New York City compare to the New York state average for economist pay? ▼
New York City's median economist salary of $226,741 is 48.5% above the New York state average of $152,680. The local cost of living index is 187% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New York City, NY? ▼
New York City has a cost of living index of 187% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $226,741 in New York City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in New York City? ▼
Most economist positions in New York City 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.