Economist Salary in Memphis, TN: $97,988 (2026)

Economist Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median economist salary of $97,988, which is $3,419 below the Tennessee state average of $101,407. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $97,988 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Memphis spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $170,280 at the 90th percentile — a $116,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,100. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level economist earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,900

$-9,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$98,900

$-16,100 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$159,100

$-25,900 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$53,320	$55,180	$62,000
25th Percentile	$70,520	$72,980	$82,000
Median (50th)	$97,988	$101,407	$113,940
75th Percentile	$133,300	$137,950	$155,000
90th Percentile	$170,280	$176,220	$198,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$53,320

25th Percentile

$70,520

Median (50th)

$97,988

75th Percentile

$133,300

90th Percentile

$170,280

How to Become a Economist in Memphis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Economist make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median economist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $97,988 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Economist make per hour in Memphis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $97,988, a economist in Memphis earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for economist pay? ▼

Memphis's median economist salary of $97,988 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $101,407. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $97,988 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Memphis? ▼

Most economist positions in Memphis 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.

Economist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee