Economist salary in Baton Rouge, LA
Economists in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn a median of $74,580 a year ($35.86 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $62,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $153,020 for the top 10%. That is 40% lower than the national median of $124,720. Pay here is 2% higher than the Louisiana statewide median of $73,050. There are 0.12 economists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $96,400, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for economists in Baton Rouge, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $62,930 | $30.26 |
| 25th percentile | $69,490 | $33.41 |
| Median | $74,580 | $35.86 |
| 75th percentile | $109,090 | $52.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $153,020 | $73.57 |
| Average (mean) | $96,400 | $46.35 |
Half of economists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,215 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,107.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,868.46 |
| Weekly | $1,434.23 |
| Hourly | $35.86 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Economist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $75,510 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for economists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $167,590 |
| New Jersey | $167,550 |
| Delaware | $159,120 |
| Maryland | $144,680 |
| Kansas | $138,790 |
| Virginia | $137,590 |
| New York | $136,660 |
| North Carolina | $136,150 |
| Idaho | $131,270 |
| Alabama | $129,960 |
See Economist pay in every state or the Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Baton Rouge, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| School Psychologist | $68,030 | $32.71 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $75,900 | $36.49 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $112,790 | $54.23 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $69,560 | $33.44 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $94,520 | $45.44 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $53,360 | $25.65 |
| Chemical Technician | $92,120 | $44.29 |
| Chemist | $107,590 | $51.73 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $85,610 | $41.16 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $60,710 | $29.19 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $67,570 | $32.49 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $65,240 | $31.37 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $76,640 | $36.85 |
| Physical Scientists, All Other | $78,300 | $37.65 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Baton Rouge, LA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-3011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a economist make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The median salary for economists in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area is $74,580 a year, or $35.86 an hour. Pay ranges from $62,930 for the lowest-paid 10% to $153,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid economists make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The top 10% of economists in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area earn at least $153,020 a year. The top 25% earn $109,090 or more.
What is the starting pay for economists in Baton Rouge, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $62,930 a year, and a quarter of economists earn $69,490 or less.
How many economists work in Baton Rouge, LA?
About 50 economists are employed in the Baton Rouge, LA metro area, not counting the self-employed.