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State comparison · 2025

Economists salary: New Jersey vs Tennessee

Occupation

Economists in New Jersey earn a median of $167,550. In Tennessee, $117,650. After cost-of-living, the gap is 20.3% — not 42.4%.

Nominal pay gap
+42.4%
New Jersey vs Tennessee
COL-adjusted gap
+20.3%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

New Jersey

Economists

Median
$167,550
p25
$126,940
p75
$192,960
p10
$83,990
p90
$195,190
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
108.8
Hiring velocity (180d)
-33%
See full breakdown for New Jersey

Tennessee

Economists

Median
$117,650
p25
$96,170
p75
$145,220
p10
$83,610
p90
$162,670
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
91.9
Hiring velocity (180d)
-76%
See full breakdown for Tennessee

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.