Economists Salary in North Carolina

Economists in North Carolina earn the most in Durham (average $159,310 a year) and the least in Raleigh ($116,990), across the 3 North Carolina metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the economists average at $136,220 and the median at $136,150 for 290 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $142,130.

Economists average salary by city in North Carolina

Durham$159,310
Charlotte$141,330
Raleigh$116,990

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Durham	$159,310	$152,130	$132,040	$114,307	98
Charlotte	$141,330	$117,600	$74,150	$102,735	97
Raleigh	$116,990	$96,030	$79,410	$86,973	98

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Economists salary in other states

Economists salary by city and state

More about pay in North Carolina

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.

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