Average Economists Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Economists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $148,970. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $145,650, indicating a strong demand and specialized market for economic expertise within this dynamic region. The elevated compensation reflects the high concentration of industries and complex economic activities prevalent in the Bay Area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $148,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $220,670.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area presents a robust job market for economists, evidenced by a total local workforce of 440 professionals. This concentration, reflected in a Location Quotient of 1.79, suggests a significantly higher presence of economists compared to the national average, pointing towards a thriving and active demand for their analytical skills.
Salary Overview
The average Economists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+2.3%above the national average.
$71.6
$2,865
$12,414
Economists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive trend in economist salaries within the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area over the past four years. Economic growth, increasing complexity in financial markets, and a persistent need for data-driven insights likely contribute to steady salary appreciation for these professionals.
Economists Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The career trajectory for economists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont typically shows significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise, develop specialized skills, and take on more complex projects, their earning potential escalates substantially, with senior roles commanding top-tier compensation packages. The widening percentile gaps clearly signify robust career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $78,090 | $37.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $111,728 | $53.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $134,410 | $64.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $186,213 | $89.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $220,670 | $106.1 |
Detailed Economists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$148,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$148,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $148,970 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the gross salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average, making the region's high earnings competitive without a significant penalty from living expenses.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
0.184
Per 1K Jobs
1.79
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 1.8x the national concentration of Economists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.79, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area demonstrates a market that is 79% more concentrated with economists than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers actively seek out and value the expertise of economists due to the region's unique economic landscape and industry demands.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Economists make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Economists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $148,970. This typically ranges from $78,090 for entry-level positions to $220,670 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 2.3% higher than the national median of $145,650.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Economists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Economists.Economists in this region earn an average of $148,970 annually, exceeding the national average, and benefit from a cost of living that is on par with the national average, maximizing their earning potential.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Economists?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the economist salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for economists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $148,970, which is higher than the national average of $145,650.
What is the concentration of economists in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
The concentration of economists in this area, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.79, significantly higher than the national average of 1.0, indicating a denser presence of these professionals.
How does the cost of living affect an economist's salary in San Francisco?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher nominal salary effectively maintains its purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
What does the job market look like for economists in this region?
The job market appears robust, with 440 economists employed locally and a high concentration (LQ 1.79), suggesting strong demand for their skills in the region's economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.184 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Economists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA