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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Economists salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$121,820
Mean annual$128,400
Range (10th to 90th)$65,980 to $200,000
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment230
State vs national+2.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia economists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$65,98025TH$95,020MEDIAN$121,82075TH$143,30090TH$200,000

The middle 50% of workers earn between $95,020 and $143,300, with a median of $121,820.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Master's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5

  • Economics and Accounting

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5

  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

  • Mathematics

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5

  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

  • Writing

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.

  2. 02

    Conduct research on economic issues, and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.

  3. 03

    Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.

  4. 04

    Supervise research projects and students' study projects.

  5. 05

    Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics.

  6. 06

    Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.

  7. 07

    Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.

  8. 08

    Explain economic impact of policies to the public.

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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for economists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Economists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Economists in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $121,820.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Economists?
The Philadelphia metro median is +7.5% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $113,300.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Economists?
The Philadelphia metro median is +2.2% versus the BLS national figure of $119,230.
What is the salary range for Economists in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $65,980 and the 90th-percentile at $200,000 for the Philadelphia metro area.
What education is required for Economists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Philadelphia CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.