How much does an economist make in Durham?
$152,100a year
Median yearly pay for economists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area. That is $73.14 an hour or $12,680 a month.
- Hourly
- $73.14
- Vs. national median
- +22%
- Rank among cities
- 4 of 62
- Jobs in the area
- 120
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $81,700Median: $152,100Highest 10%: $224,300
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $81,700 | $39.28 | |
| 25th | $132,000 | $63.48 | |
| Median | $152,100 | $73.14 | |
| 75th | $198,300 | $95.32 | |
| 90th | $224,300 | $107.82 |
Other cities in North Carolina
Median yearly pay for economists.
| Charlotte, NC | $117,600 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $103,600 |
Related jobs in Durham
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Physical Scientist | $128,400 |
| Sociologist | $126,800 |
| Materials Scientist | $123,100 |
| Life Scientist | $105,900 |
| Geoscientist | $99,560 |
| Biological Scientist | $98,700 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialist | $98,490 |
| Medical Scientist | $96,430 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $93,420 |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist | $87,650 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does an economist make an hour in Durham?
The median hourly pay in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metro area is $73.14 ($152,100 a year).
Do economists make more in Durham than the national average?
Yes: $152,100 against $124,700 nationally, 22% more.
How does Durham compare with the rest of North Carolina?
The median in North Carolina is $136,200, so Durham pays 12% more.
Where does Durham rank for economist pay?
4 of 62 metro areas with data.
How much does an economist make starting out in Durham?
The lowest-paid 10% make $81,700 or less a year; the top 10% make $224,300 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.