Business & Finance Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Economist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median economist salary in Charlotte, NC is $115,079 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$115,079
vs State Avg
+$6,836
vs National
+$1,139
Cost of Living
98%

Economist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median economist salary of $115,079, which is $6,836 above the North Carolina state average of $108,243. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Charlotte pays above average for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% 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 Charlotte spans from $62,620 at the 10th percentile to $199,980 at the 90th percentile — a $137,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,650, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $186,850. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level economist earns around $65,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,650
+$650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,150
+$1,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,850
+$1,850 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $62,620
25th Percentile $82,820
Median (50th) $115,079
75th Percentile $156,550
90th Percentile $199,980

Economist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$115,079
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$111,661
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$103,685
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$101,407
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Economist in Charlotte

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open economist positions in Charlotte, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Economist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median economist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $115,079 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $62,620 (10th percentile) to $199,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,079, a economist in Charlotte earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for economist pay? ▼
Charlotte's median economist salary of $115,079 is 6.3% above the North Carolina state average of $108,243. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $115,079 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Charlotte? ▼
Most economist positions in Charlotte 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.