Economists Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$115,440
↑ 27.5% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Economists — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Economists — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 27.5% since 2011 ($90,550 → $115,440)
🏆Peak year: 2023 at $115,730
🦠COVID impact: Salary rose 3.2% from 2019 to 2020, likely reflecting workforce composition changes.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -13%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $115,440 | -0.3% |
| 2023 | $115,730 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $113,940 | +7.9% |
| 2021 | $105,630 | -2.5% |
| 2020 | $108,350 | +3.2% |
| 2019 | $105,020 | +0.7% |
| 2018 | $104,340 | +1.8% |
| 2017 | $102,490 | +1.4% |
| 2016 | $101,050 | +1.9% |
| 2015 | $99,180 | +3.6% |
| 2014 | $95,710 | +2.8% |
| 2013 | $93,070 | +1.3% |
| 2012 | $91,860 | +1.4% |
| 2011 | $90,550 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.