Business & Finance Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Economist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median economist salary in Erie, PA is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 12% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
$-13,673
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
84%

Economist Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $13,673 below the Pennsylvania state average of $113,940. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $119,365 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Erie spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$120,776
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$111,661
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$110,522
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$104,825
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Economist in Erie

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Erie

Browse open economist positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Erie

How much does a Economist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median economist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Erie earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for economist pay? ▼
Erie's median economist salary of $100,267 is 12% below the Pennsylvania state average of $113,940. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $100,267 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Erie? ▼
Most economist positions in Erie 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.