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Average Economists Salary in California

Economists in California earn an average annual salary of $125,570, which is notably below the national average of $145,650. This disparity is often influenced by the state's unique economic landscape, regulatory environment, and the specific demands of industries concentrated within California, which can shape compensation structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $125,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $193,500.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,400 economists and a Location Quotient of 0.76, California presents a moderately concentrated but substantial market for these professionals. While not exceeding the national concentration, the sheer size of the workforce indicates a consistent demand and a stable employment base for economists within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$125,570

The average Economists in California earns-13.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.4

Weekly

$2,415

Monthly

$10,464

Economists Salary Distribution in California

The salary spectrum for economists in California significantly widens with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while senior economists with extensive expertise and proven track records command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the substantial career progression and earning potential available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$71,260$34.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$94,178$45.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$100,510$48.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$156,963$75.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$193,500$93

Detailed Economists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$125,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$90,664

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average nominal salary for economists in California stands at $125,570, the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 (significantly above the national average of 100) means that purchasing power is considerably lower. This indicates that the effective take-home value of the salary is reduced when accounting for the higher expenses associated with living in California.

Job Market Context

1,400

Total Jobs

0.078

Per 1K Jobs

0.76

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.76x the national average concentration of Economists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that economists are slightly less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This implies that while the state has a significant number of economists, the job market may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Economistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Economists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Economists in California is $125,570. This typically ranges from $71,260 for entry-level positions to $193,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 13.8% lower than the national median of $145,650.

Is California a lucrative place for Economists?

No, not when considering the cost of living.While the average salary of $125,570 is substantial, California's high cost of living significantly diminishes its purchasing power compared to the national average.

Is California a good place to live for Economists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's economist salary compare to the national average?

Economists in California earn an average of $125,570 annually, which is $20,080 less than the national average of $145,650.

What is the concentration of economists in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 0.76 for economists, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect an economist's salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $125,570 salary has less purchasing power.

What is the total number of economists employed in California?

There are approximately 1,400 economists working within the state of California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,400 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.078 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Economists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California