📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Economists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$178,395
per year
Median
$170,315
per year
Hourly
$85.77
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$106,294
25th Percentile — Junior$143,868
50th Percentile — Median$170,315
75th Percentile — Senior$228,407
90th Percentile — Top Earners$261,986
💡 Top-earning Economistss in California make up to $261,986 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$148.0k
2021
$153.7k
2022
$159.5k
2023
$165.6k
2024
$171.9k
2025
$178.4k
2026
📈 Economists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Economists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $276,512 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $264,025 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $306,839 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $330,031 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $192,667 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $217,642 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $258,673 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $192,667 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $253,321 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $249,753 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $228,346 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $210,506 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $276,512 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $210,506 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $199,802 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $217,642 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $205,154 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $264,025 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $285,432 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Economists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Economistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $178,395 per year, California's Economists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $106,294–$143,868, while experienced Economistss can command $228,407–$261,986.

Looking ahead, the Economists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Economists salary in California is $178,395 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $125,630.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Economistss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Economists employment.
  • At $178,395/year, California Economists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $125,630/year.