Economist Salary in Pittsburgh, PA
How much does a economist make in Pittsburgh? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Pittsburgh's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
See how economist salaries break down across different pay periods in Pittsburgh.
| Period | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $69,263 | $116,880 | $160,169 |
| Monthly | $5,772 | $9,740 | $13,347 |
| Biweekly | $2,664 | $4,495 | $6,160 |
| Weekly | $1,332 | $2,248 | $3,080 |
| Hourly | $33 | $56 | $77 |
Pittsburgh vs National Average
How Pittsburgh's economist salaries compare to national figures.
Cost of Living in Pittsburgh
About Economist
Overview
Research economic data and trends to inform policy and business decisions.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Economics; Master's or PhD common for research roles
Key Skills
Growth Rate
Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade
Compare Cities: Economist Salary
See Economist salaries in other top cities.
Explore Related Data for Pittsburgh & PA
Dig deeper into the numbers behind a economist salary in Pittsburgh — cost of living, take-home pay, affordability, taxes, and retirement projections all in one place.
Cost of living in Pittsburgh
Full breakdown of expenses, rent, and local purchasing power.
Take-home pay on $120,000 in PA
Federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare breakdown.
What you can afford on $120,000 in PA
Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines for this income.
Tax brackets on $120,000 in PA
See exactly which brackets your income falls into.
Economist salary across all of PA
State-level salary data beyond just Pittsburgh.
$450,000 mortgage in PA
Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest for a typical home at this income.
Retirement at 30 earning $120,000
Projections, savings benchmarks, and how to stay on track.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a economist salary in Pittsburgh.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Cost of Living Calculator
Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Pittsburgh.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Pittsburgh.
Economist Salary in Pittsburgh, PA — Complete Guide
Median Salary Overview
The median salary for a economist in Pittsburgh, PA is $116,880 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Pittsburgh's unique economic conditions.
Salary Range and Experience Levels
Entry-level economist professionals in Pittsburgh can expect to earn around $69,263 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $160,169 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.
Cost of Living Adjustment
Pittsburgh's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Pittsburgh are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $91,970, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.
Housing and Affordability
A significant portion of a economist's salary in Pittsburgh typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,250 per month, housing represents about 12.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Economists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Pittsburgh, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.