Business & Finance Salt Lake City, UT Pop. 200,133

Economist Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah

The median economist salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $116,219 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.

City Median
$116,219
vs State Avg
+$5,697
vs National
+$2,279
Cost of Living
102%

Economist Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)

Salt Lake City offers a median economist salary of $116,219, which is $5,697 above the Utah state average of $110,522. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.

Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City spans from $63,240 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $138,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $188,700. With a population of 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience

In Salt Lake City, an entry-level economist earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $188,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,300
+$2,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$188,700
+$3,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salt Lake City, UT

Percentile Salt Lake City
10th Percentile $63,240
25th Percentile $83,640
Median (50th) $116,219
75th Percentile $158,100
90th Percentile $201,960

Economist Salary in Other Utah Cities

How to Become a Economist in Salt Lake City

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah 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 Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Salt Lake City

Browse open economist positions in Salt Lake City, UT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Salt Lake City

How much does a Economist make in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
The median economist salary in Salt Lake City, Utah is $116,219 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $63,240 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Salt Lake City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,219, a economist in Salt Lake City earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salt Lake City compare to the Utah state average for economist pay? ▼
Salt Lake City's median economist salary of $116,219 is 5.2% above the Utah state average of $110,522. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT? ▼
Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $116,219 in Salt Lake City has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Salt Lake City? ▼
Most economist positions in Salt Lake City 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.