Salary distribution
Where Pittsburgh economists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $92,890 and $131,850, with a median of $116,880.
Typical entry
Education
Master's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Mathematics
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Writing
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
- 02
Conduct research on economic issues, and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.
- 03
Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
- 04
Supervise research projects and students' study projects.
- 05
Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics.
- 06
Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
- 07
Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.
- 08
Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
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Explore coursesOther metros in Pennsylvania
How the Pittsburgh metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for economists.
- Philadelphia$121,820
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Economists in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Economists in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area is $116,880.
- Does Pittsburgh pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Economists?
- The Pittsburgh metro median is +3.2% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $113,300.
- How does Pittsburgh compare to the national median for Economists?
- The Pittsburgh metro median is -2.0% versus the BLS national figure of $119,230.
- What is the salary range for Economists in Pittsburgh?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $75,000 and the 90th-percentile at $175,090 for the Pittsburgh 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Pittsburgh 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.