Business & Finance Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Economist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median economist salary in Seattle, WA is $168,631 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$168,631
vs State Avg
+$37,600
vs National
+$54,691
Cost of Living
148%

Economist Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median economist salary of $168,631, which is $37,600 above the Washington state average of $131,031. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $168,631 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Seattle spans from $91,760 at the 10th percentile to $293,040 at the 90th percentile — a $201,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $96,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $273,800. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Economist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level economist earns around $96,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $273,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$96,200
+$31,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$170,200
+$55,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$273,800
+$88,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $91,760
25th Percentile $121,360
Median (50th) $168,631
75th Percentile $229,400
90th Percentile $293,040

Economist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$173,189
Pop. 151,854
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 Seattle

Education

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

Find Economist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open economist positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Economist make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median economist salary in Seattle, Washington is $168,631 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $91,760 (10th percentile) to $293,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $168,631, a economist in Seattle earns approximately $81 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for economist pay? ▼
Seattle's median economist salary of $168,631 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $131,031. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $168,631 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Seattle? ▼
Most economist positions in Seattle 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.