How Much Does a Economist Earn After Taxes?
National median: $115,730/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $89,802/year take-home — 22.4% effective rate.
Economist Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000 | $54,114 | $4,509 | 16.7% |
| 25th Percentile | $85,000 | $68,184 | $5,682 | 19.8% |
| MedianBLS Median | $115,730 | $89,802 | $7,484 | 22.4% |
| 75th Percentile | $162,000 | $121,480 | $10,123 | 25.0% |
| 90th Percentile | $220,000 | $163,049 | $13,587 | 25.9% |
| Senior Level | $180,000 | $134,025 | $11,169 | 25.5% |
Economist Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $144,084 | $98,587 | $8,216 | 31.6% |
| New York | $152,474 | $106,915 | $8,910 | 29.9% |
| California | $142,059 | $96,818 | $8,068 | 31.8% |
| Massachusetts | $138,297 | $98,364 | $8,197 | 28.9% |
| Virginia | $128,750 | $91,608 | $7,634 | 28.8% |
About This Career
Economists analyze data to understand market behavior, forecast economic trends, and advise policy makers and businesses. Federal government agencies in Washington DC — the Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Congressional Budget Office — represent a major employer segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Economist salary in the US?+
The national median Economist salary is $115,730 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $85,000 and $162,000, while the top 10% earn over $220,000.
How much does a Economist take home after taxes?+
A Economist earning the median $115,730 takes home approximately $89,802 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Economists earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Economists are District of Columbia, New York, California. Top cities include Washington DC, New York City, San Francisco, where salaries can exceed $162,000 for experienced professionals.