Economist Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median economist salary in Durham, NC is $111,661 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 3.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Economist Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)
Durham offers a median economist salary of $111,661, which is $3,418 above the North Carolina state average of $108,243. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $60,760 at the 10th percentile to $194,040 at the 90th percentile — a $133,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,700, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,300. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Economist Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level economist earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,360 |
| Median (50th) | $111,661 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $194,040 |
Economist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Economist in Durham
Education
Most economist positions require a master's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Economist Jobs in Durham
Browse open economist positions in Durham, NC: