Economists Salary in Washington

Economists in Washington earn the most in Seattle (average $131,660 a year) and the least in Olympia ($107,210), across the 2 Washington metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the economists average at $120,550 and the median at $109,300 for 450 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $142,130.

Economists average salary by city in Washington

Seattle$131,660
Olympia$107,210

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Seattle	$131,660	$126,420	$85,120	$101,256	111
Olympia	$107,210	$103,000	$93,340	$84,252	104

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Washington has no state income tax; Washington's WA Cares (0.58%) and Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll premiums are 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 Washington

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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