Business & Finance Utah (UT) Rank #24 of 50

Economist Salary in Utah

The median economist salary in Utah is $110,522 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $113,940.

Median Salary
$110,522
vs National
$-3,418
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Economist Salary Overview in Utah (2026)

Utah ranks #24 out of 50 states for economist compensation. Utah falls in the middle of the pack for economist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $110,522 per year, economists in Utah earn $3,418 less than the national median of $113,940.

Utah's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning economist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Utah is significant: economists at the 10th percentile earn $60,140, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $192,060 — a $131,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Utah for this role is Salt Lake City, where the median reaches $116,219.

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for economists across the country.

Economist Salary in Utah by Experience

In Utah, an entry-level economist earns around $63,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,450 per year. The cost of living index in Utah is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,050
$-1,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,550
$-3,450 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,450
$-5,550 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $110,522+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Utah

Percentile UT Salary
10th Percentile $60,140
25th Percentile $79,540
Median (50th) $110,522
75th Percentile $150,350
90th Percentile $192,060

Economist Salary by City in Utah

The largest employment areas for economists in Utah include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Economist in Utah

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Utah has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook in Utah

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Utah's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Economists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $68,928 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Economist Roles in Utah?

Get matched with recruiters hiring economists in Utah at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Utah

How much does a Economist make in Utah? ▼
The median economist salary in Utah is $110,522 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $60,140 (10th percentile) to $192,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Utah? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,522, a economist in Utah earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Utah a good state for economists? ▼
Utah ranks #24 out of 50 states for economist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level economists earn $63,050, while senior professionals earn $179,450.
How does Utah compare to other states for economist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for economists is Hawaii at $193,698. Utah's median of $110,522 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($110,522) and Nevada ($110,522).
What is the entry-level economist salary in Utah? ▼
An entry-level economist in Utah earns approximately $63,050 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $179,450.
What city in Utah pays economists the most? ▼
Salt Lake City is the highest paying city in Utah for economists, with a median salary of $116,219. Other cities include West Valley City and Provo.