Economist H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 439 certified H-1B filings for Economist positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $150,000, which is 19% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Economist H-1B salaries fall between $115,606 and $175,000.
Median Salary Trend
Economist salaries have grown 1% from FY 2020 ($147,200) to FY 2026 ($148,658).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Economist
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM | 83 | $160,000 |
| COMPASS LEXECON | 33 | $150,000 |
| BATES WHITE | 31 | $190,000 |
| KEYSTONE STRATEGY | 17 | $181,875 |
| FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO | 11 | $185,000 |
| FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY | 10 | $160,000 |
| EMMIS DYNAMIC PRICING | 10 | $115,000 |
| FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF SAN FRANCISCO | 8 | $180,000 |
| BAKER & MCKENZIE CONSULTING | 8 | $170,000 |
| THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF ST. LOUIS | 7 | $192,000 |
Top Locations for Economist
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC (all jobs) | 146 | $165,000 |
| New York, NY (all jobs) | 69 | $132,500 |
| Boston, MA | 21 | $188,400 |
| San Francisco, CA | 20 | $177,400 |
| Chicago, IL | 20 | $155,000 |
| Kansas City, MO | 10 | $160,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 8 | $175,000 |
| St. Louis, MO | 7 | $192,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | 7 | $96,213 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 7 | $110,000 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Economist is $150,000, based on 439 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 19% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Median pay has grown 1% since FY 2020 ($147,200 → $148,658).
Salaries span a $112,175 range from the 10th percentile ($86,590) to the 90th percentile ($198,765). The middle 50% of Economists earn between $115,606 and $175,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 83 certified filings at a median salary of $160,000. Among the top sponsors, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF ST. LOUIS pays the highest median at $192,000. The pay spread across top employers is 67%.
Geographically, Washington, DC has the highest concentration of Economist H-1B filings (146) at a median of $165,000. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is St. Louis, MO at $192,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Economist H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Economist positions is $150,000, based on 439 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 19% higher than the overall H-1B median of $126,302. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $175,000 to $198,765, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $86,590 to $115,606. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $86,590
- 25th percentile
- $115,606
- Median
- $150,000
- 75th percentile
- $175,000
- 90th percentile
- $198,765
Salaries range from $86,590 at the 10th percentile to $198,765 at the 90th percentile, showing a $112,175 spread. The 25th percentile is $115,606 and the 75th percentile is $175,000.
Which companies hire the most Economists on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Economist positions spans various industries and employer types. The top sponsors reflect where demand for this role is highest, with compensation varying based on employer size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger employers often have established visa sponsorship programs and immigration support.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM is the largest H-1B sponsor for Economist positions with 83 filings at a median salary of $160,000. COMPASS LEXECON follows with 33 filings.
Where are Economist H-1B jobs located?
Economist H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Economists across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
Washington, DC has the highest concentration of Economist H-1B filings with 146 positions at a median salary of $165,000. The highest-paying location is Boston, MA at $188,400 median.
How have Economist salaries changed over time?
Economist H-1B salaries have grown by +1% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $147,200 to $148,658 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $150,000 (90 certified)
- FY 2023: $155,000 (55 certified)
- FY 2024: $168,900 (47 certified)
- FY 2025: $148,000 (65 certified)
- FY 2026: $148,658 (44 certified)