Business & Finance Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Economist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median economist salary in Bellevue, WA is $173,189 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$173,189
vs State Avg
+$42,158
vs National
+$59,249
Cost of Living
152%

Economist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median economist salary of $173,189, which is $42,158 above the Washington state average of $131,031. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $173,189 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Bellevue spans from $94,240 at the 10th percentile to $300,960 at the 90th percentile — a $206,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $98,800, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $281,200. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level economist earns around $98,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $281,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,800
+$33,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$174,800
+$59,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$281,200
+$96,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $94,240
25th Percentile $124,640
Median (50th) $173,189
75th Percentile $235,600
90th Percentile $300,960

Economist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$168,631
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$125,334
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$116,219
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$104,825
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Economist in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open economist positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Economist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median economist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $173,189 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $94,240 (10th percentile) to $300,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $173,189, a economist in Bellevue earns approximately $83 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for economist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median economist salary of $173,189 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $131,031. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $173,189 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Bellevue? ▼
Most economist positions in Bellevue 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.