Business & Finance Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Economist Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median economist salary in Norfolk, VA is $115,079 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$115,079
vs State Avg
$-9,116
vs National
+$1,139
Cost of Living
96%

Economist Pay in Norfolk: What to Expect (2026)

Norfolk offers a median economist salary of $115,079, which is $9,116 below the Virginia state average of $124,195. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Norfolk pays above average for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% 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 Norfolk spans from $62,620 at the 10th percentile to $199,980 at the 90th percentile — a $137,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,650, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $186,850. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level economist earns around $65,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,650
+$650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,150
+$1,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,850
+$1,850 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $62,620
25th Percentile $82,820
Median (50th) $115,079
75th Percentile $156,550
90th Percentile $199,980

Economist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Economist in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open economist positions in Norfolk, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Economist make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median economist salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $115,079 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $62,620 (10th percentile) to $199,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,079, a economist in Norfolk earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for economist pay? ▼
Norfolk's median economist salary of $115,079 is 7.3% below the Virginia state average of $124,195. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $115,079 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Norfolk? ▼
Most economist positions in Norfolk 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.