Economist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median economist salary in Raleigh, NC is $115,079 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Economist Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh 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, Raleigh pays above average for this role.
Raleigh'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 Raleigh 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. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Economist Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 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
How to Become a Economist in Raleigh
Education
Most economist positions require a master's degree. Raleigh 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Economist Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open economist positions in Raleigh, NC: