Business & Finance Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Economist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median economist salary in Arlington, VA is $156,098 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median and 25.7% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$156,098
vs State Avg
+$31,903
vs National
+$42,158
Cost of Living
132%

Economist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median economist salary of $156,098, which is $31,903 above the Virginia state average of $124,195. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $156,098 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $118,256. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Arlington spans from $84,940 at the 10th percentile to $271,260 at the 90th percentile — a $186,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,050, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $253,450. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level economist earns around $89,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $253,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,050
+$24,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$157,550
+$42,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$253,450
+$68,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $84,940
25th Percentile $112,340
Median (50th) $156,098
75th Percentile $212,350
90th Percentile $271,260

Economist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$121,916
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$119,637
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$117,358
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$115,079
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Economist in Arlington

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open economist positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Economist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median economist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $156,098 per year, which is 37.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $84,940 (10th percentile) to $271,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,098, a economist in Arlington earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for economist pay? ▼
Arlington's median economist salary of $156,098 is 25.7% above the Virginia state average of $124,195. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $156,098 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Arlington? ▼
Most economist positions in Arlington 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.