Economists

Economists are among the highest-paid social scientists. The median salary for economists was $115,730 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent made less than $62,520, and the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $216,900. Fifty percent of economists earned between $82,330 and $166,070. Economists who were employed by the state government agencies earned average salaries of $76,940, while those who worked at local agencies earned $95,820. Those who worked for scientific research and development services firms earned $146,670. Salaries for economics professors ranged from less than $58,060 to $221,170 or more.

Benefits such as vacation and health insurance are comparable to those of workers in other organizations.