Business & Finance Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Economist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median economist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $120,776 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$120,776
vs State Avg
+$6,836
vs National
+$6,836
Cost of Living
102%

Economist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median economist salary of $120,776, which is $6,836 above the Pennsylvania state average of $113,940. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $65,720 at the 10th percentile to $209,880 at the 90th percentile — a $144,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,900, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $196,100. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level economist earns around $68,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $196,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,900
+$6,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$196,100
+$11,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $65,720
25th Percentile $86,920
Median (50th) $120,776
75th Percentile $164,300
90th Percentile $209,880

Economist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$111,661
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$110,522
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$104,825
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$100,267
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Economist in Philadelphia

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open economist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Economist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median economist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $120,776 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $65,720 (10th percentile) to $209,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,776, a economist in Philadelphia earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for economist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median economist salary of $120,776 is 6.0% above the Pennsylvania state average of $113,940. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $120,776 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most economist positions in Philadelphia 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.