Economists Salary in California

Economists in California earn the most in Los Angeles (average $155,860 a year) and the least in Sacramento ($101,690), across the 5 California metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the economists average at $133,680 and the median at $119,410 for 860 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $142,130.

Economists average salary by city in California

Los Angeles$155,860
Riverside$145,870
San Francisco$145,630
San Diego$145,410
Sacramento$101,690

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Los Angeles	$155,860	$151,510	$108,730	$107,393	114
Riverside	$145,870	$117,920	$108,810	$101,494	106
San Francisco	$145,630	$142,400	$94,660	$101,353	116
San Diego	$145,410	$122,750	$104,600	$101,223	112
Sacramento	$101,690	$100,410	$76,930	$75,004	107

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Economists salary in other states

Economists salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-3011.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.