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Economists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Economists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$119,410
Median Annual Salary
▲
+18.8% vs 2024
$133,680
Mean Salary
$119,410
Median Salary
$57.41
Hourly Rate
860 people work as Economists in California
Economists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Economists in California earn a median salary of $119,410 per year ($9,950/month).
This is 7.3% above the national average of $111,296.
California ranks #16 out of 40 states for Economists pay.
Approximately 860 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 18.8% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Economists
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Writing
4.12
Mathematics
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Mathematics
4.67
Economics and Accounting
4.5
English Language
4.3
Computers and Electronics
3.7
Education and Training
3.19
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree
(60.9% of workers)
Salaries for Economists in California range from $74,030 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $207,380 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $91,320 and $164,770.
The median annual salary for Economists in California is $119,410 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $133,680.
What is the salary range for a Economists in California?
Salaries for Economists in California range from $74,030 at the 10th percentile to $207,380 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $91,320 and $164,770.
What is the starting salary for a Economists in California?
Entry-level Economists positions in California typically start around $74,030 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $91,320 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Economists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 860 people are employed as Economists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Economists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Economists in California is approximately $57.41 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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