Business & Finance Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Economist Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median economist salary in Nashville, TN is $113,940 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$113,940
vs State Avg
+$12,533
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Economist Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median economist salary of $113,940, which is $12,533 above the Tennessee state average of $101,407. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $62,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,000 at the 90th percentile — a $136,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,000, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level economist earns around $65,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $62,000
25th Percentile $82,000
Median (50th) $113,940
75th Percentile $155,000
90th Percentile $198,000

Economist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Economist in Nashville

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Nashville

Browse open economist positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Nashville

How much does a Economist make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median economist salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $113,940 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $62,000 (10th percentile) to $198,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,940, a economist in Nashville earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for economist pay? ▼
Nashville's median economist salary of $113,940 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $101,407. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $113,940 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Nashville? ▼
Most economist positions in Nashville 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.