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Best Doctorates in Economics: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

If you’re a graduate student and interested in pursuing an advanced study in the field of economics, you should start researching the best PhDs in Economics. By enrolling in an economics PhD program, you’ll be getting an in-depth education on past and current economic trends.

In this article, we’ll try to help you choose the right PhD in Economics by going over some of the best programs in the United States. We’ll also cover some of the highest-paying economics jobs on the market and provide an overview of the PhD in economics salary possibilities.

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What is a phd in economics.

A PhD in Economics degree is an advanced doctoral degree program that studies the distribution and consumption of goods and services. Economics classes teach students to analyze small-scale and global-scale economic factors to make predictions for future markets.

The main goal of economics departments in PhD programs is to teach students how to help different institutions improve and optimize their economic actions. Through a mix of teaching, research, and a heavy course load, economics grad students will perfect their quantitative skills and learn to make decisions that increase the profitability of the organizations they work for.

How to Get Into an Economics PhD Program: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements to get into an economics PhD program include a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Other admission requirements can include GRE exam scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Admissions counselors will look at a student’s comprehensive experience before grad school.

Different schools have other specific admission requirements for their economics PhD programs, but all international and English as a second language-speaking (ESL) students will have to submit proof of English proficiency in the form of Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) exam scores.

PhD in Economics Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• GRE test scores (optional for most schools)
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Proof of English proficiency (for ESL and international students)
• Statement of purpose
• Previous knowledge in math-intensive subjects, such as economic theory, statistics, mathematics, differential and integral calculus, and linear algebra

Economics PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Economics?

It can be very hard to get into economics PhD programs. Economics PhD acceptance rates vary between 2.4 and 7.4 percent. At Johns Hopkins University, for example, only 12 students are selected to enroll in the Economics PhD program out of more than 500 applications.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Economics: In Brief

Best universities for economics phds: where to get a phd in economics.

The best universities for PhD economics programs include Arizona State University, John Hopkins University, Syracuse University, and Drexel University. These schools will adequately equip you with the economic knowledge and skills needed to ensure you are ready for a well-paying job in the economics career path of your dreams. Continue reading for all you need to know to prepare for grad school at one of the top Phd in Economics degree programs.

Arizona State University is a public research university founded in 1886. It is considered one of the best institutions for superior education. ASU offers more than 400 graduate degree programs led by experts and has been ranked as the nation’s most innovative university by US News & World Report . 

PhD in Economics

This economics PhD program provides training in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, applied economics, and econometrics. Classrooms are relatively small, with about 45 graduate students, to facilitate mentoring and provide greater faculty attention within the department of economics. The program prepares students for teaching and research positions in the field of economics. 

PhD in Economics Overview

• Program Length: 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: Not stated
• Tuition: $ 858/credit (in state); $1,361/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, graduate teaching assistantships
• Bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation

Colorado State University was founded in 1870. It is a public land-grant research university and is considered the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. It offers several programs and certificates across many fields and has over 7,000 enrolled graduate students.

This economics doctoral program offers meticulous training and teaches research methods in the many different areas of economics. These math intensive classes include microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics. This econ program requires a minimum of 72 credits and allows students to focus on different areas like environmental, international, political, Keynesian, feminist, or regional economics.

• Tuition: $601.90/credit (in state); $1,475.80/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, internships, grants
• Online application and application fee
• Official transcripts of all collegiate work completed post-high school
• Letters of recommendation

Drexel University was founded in 1891. It is a private research university with over 8,900 enrolled graduate students. Their co-op education program sets this university apart from others, offering students the opportunity to get paid and gain real-world experience prior to graduating.

This PhD in Economics teaches a set of core courses including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Students are then required to specialize and demonstrate math skills in industrial organization, international economics, or macroeconomics. This PhD is an official STEM Designated Degree Program. Each class is composed of three to six doctoral students to optimize and facilitate interactions between students and faculty. 

• Tuition: $1,342/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships
• GRE scores from the past five years
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation

Johns Hopkins University is a world-renowned private research university. It was founded in 1876 and is now organized into 10 campuses in Maryland and Washington, with international divisions in Italy and China. The university has over 22,000 graduate students enrolled across its social sciences, engineering, arts, and business schools.

This economics program is led by expert faculty and trains students in applied microeconomics and macroeconomics, economic theory, and econometrics. Students will receive one-on-one attention from faculty, allowing them to conduct better research and strengthen the complex analysis and quantitative skills necessary in the field of econ. 

• Program Length: 5-6 years
• Acceptance Rate: 2.4%
• Tuition: $58,720/year 
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Departmental fellowship (1st year), teaching or research assistantships (2nd to 5th years), Carl Christ Fellowship, Kelly Miller Fellowship, tuition fees funded by the department for enrolled students
• Unofficial transcripts from all previous colleges and universities
• GRE scores (quantitative scores of 160 or above)
• Minimum of two letters of recommendation

Kansas State University was founded in 1863 as the first public institution of higher education in Kansas. KSU is a public land-grant research university and has over 4,500 enrolled graduate students across 73 master's and 43 doctoral degree programs.

This PhD Economics program teaches students about the latest advances in econometrics, economic theory, and computation. The program requires the completion of a minimum of 90 credits, of which 30 are designated to researching and writing a high-quality dissertation.

• Tuition and Fees: $6,282/year (in state); $12,746/year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, the Wayne Nafziger Graduate Scholarship, the Lloyd and Sally Thomas Graduate Scholarship, and Edward Bagley Graduate Scholarship; tuition fees funded by the department for enrolled students
• Academic transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from each institution attended
• Short statement of objectives for graduate study
• GRE scores from the past five years (optional but encouraged)

Oregon State University ’s roots can be traced back to 1856 as a public land-grant research university that was founded as a primary and preparatory community school. Today, the university is the largest in Oregon. Oregon State is particularly renowned for its programs in earth, marine, and biological sciences and has over 5,668 enrolled graduate students.

PhD in Applied Economics

The 108-credit Applied Economics PhD degree program teaches students about economic theory, econometrics, development economics, and other quantitative methods. Grad school students of this program will gain the intellectual autonomy needed to examine real-world problems and apply relevant solutions regarding policy, education, trade, and the environment. 

PhD in Applied Economics Overview

• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 6.7%
• Tuition: $498/credit (in state); $1,011/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantship

PhD in Applied Economics Admission Requirements

• Academic records from each institution attended
• Letters of reference
• Statement of objectives

Syracuse University is a private research university founded in 1831 with over 6,800 enrolled graduate students. Syracuse is ranked 59th on US News & World Report’s list of best national universities and features famous alum President Joe Biden. 

The PhD in Economics program at Syracuse University is a research-oriented degree that requires the completion of 72 credits. The program teaches students about mathematical economics, microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics. Students will specialize in a primary field in labor, international, public, urban economics, or econometrics. 

• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition: $32,436/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: University Fellowships, graduate assistantships, Melvin Eggers Graduate Economics Scholarship for Doctoral Students, David Greytak Fellowship Fund
• Transcripts from all collegiate and post-collegiate work
• Three letters of recommendation 

University of Maryland (UMD) at College Park was founded in 1856 and is the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland. UMD is a public, land-grant research university with 10,500 enrolled graduate students in over 230 graduate degree programs.  

PhD in Economics (ECON)

This econ PhD program offers a wide range of specializations to students, including advanced macroeconomics or microeconomics, behavioral and experimental economics, econometrics, economic history, international trade, and public economics. Students who enroll directly after they finish their bachelor’s degree are also able to obtain a Master of Arts degree simultaneously. 

PhD in Economics (ECON) Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
• Tuition: $1,269/semester (in state); $2,496/semester (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, Fellowship in Support of Diversity and Inclusion

PhD in Economics (ECON) Admission Requirements

• Transcripts from all institutions attended after high school
• Description of research and work experience
• GRE exam scores (optional)

University of Utah was established in 1850 as a public research university and is now considered the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education. It currently has over 8,400 enrolled graduate students and offers several programs with financial assistance, academic opportunities, and postdoctoral fellows.

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This economics PhD program allows students to explore many topics, including economic theory, post-Keynesian macroeconomics, Marxian economics, the economics of gender, labor market institutions, and intensive math classes. The program focuses particularly on themes of inequality, globalization, and sustainability. 

• Acceptance Rate: 7.4%
• Tuition and Fees: $1,271.79/credit (in state); $4,517.11/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships (research and teaching), fellowships, scholarships
• Completion of intermediate microeconomic and macroeconomic theory prerequisite courses 
• Three academic reference letters
• Brief statement of personal academic goals

West Virginia University was founded in 1867 as a public land-grant research university. Today, the university enrolls over 5,700 graduate students in more than 350 programs throughout 14 colleges and high-quality schools.

This 45-credit PhD program trains students to conduct original research, produce publishable articles, analyze real-world problems from economists and policymakers, and effectively communicate their results. Doctorate students must choose a specialization in health, international, monetary, public, regional, or urban economics. Classes in economics have a small number of students to facilitate and encourage interaction between students and faculty.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tuition and Fees: $899/credit (in state); $2,053/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships, Arlen G. and Louise Stone Swiger Doctoral Fellowship, W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship, Provost Graduate Fellowship
• Minimum GRE score of, 300
• Completion of statistics, intermediate micro and macro theory, and calculus prerequisite courses

Can You Get a PhD in Economics Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in economics online. Liberty University currently offers an online PhD in Public Policy with a concentration in Economic Policy. This program focuses on teaching students how to shape economic policy across legislation, communications, politics, education, and international relations. Grad school students can complete this online program in three years.

Best Online PhD Programs in Economics

How long does it take to get a phd in economics.

It takes five years on average to get a PhD in Economics. The first two years are usually spent completing core classes in economics, and by the third year, students prepare for exams in their specialization field of choice. The final two years are for research and writing a dissertation.

Some students are able to complete their PhD program in less time. Others take up to seven years to finish their degrees, especially if they don’t already have a master’s degree in the field, or are taking courses part-time.

Is a PhD in Economics Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Economics is a hard degree to obtain. However, at this level of education, regardless of the area of study you choose, all programs are hard to complete. Doctoral programs are intended for students who wish to become true experts in their field of choice.

Economics PhD programs are hard because extensive research and practical capabilities are required of candidates. Through a heavy course load, econ grad students are expected to work hard to develop their skills to the maximum and create publishable, high-quality work.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Economics?

It costs an average of $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Economics , according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This value is an average of the graduate tuition required in all public and private institutions between 2018 and 2019. Tuition rates will vary by school, and private universities are often more expensive than public institutions.

How to Pay for a PhD in Economics: PhD Funding Options

PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Economics include research and teaching assistantships, and many different fellowships and scholarships. These can either be provided directly by the university or by independent institutions and organizations.

Some of these include the Provost Graduate Fellowship, the Melvin Eggers Graduate Economics Scholarship for Doctoral Students, and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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What Is the Difference Between an Economics Master’s Degree and PhD?

The main difference between an economics master’s degree and a PhD is that master’s degrees are more career-oriented, while PhDs are focused on research. Since many doctorate students wish to pursue academic careers and teach in high-quality schools, they opt for a PhD program that allows them to acquire expert-level knowledge through research and assistant teaching.

Other differences between these two programs include funding options for payment, as master’s degrees don’t have as many funding options as PhD programs do, as well as the time of completion and the difference in salary between economics master’s and PhD graduates.

Master’s vs PhD in Economics Job Outlook

Employment for both economics master’s and PhD graduates is expected to grow in the next 10 years. However, the growth percentage is much higher for certain economics jobs for those with a doctoral degree. For example, employment for budget analysts, a position that requires only a Master’s Degree in Economics, is projected to grow five percent from 2020 to 2030, which is slower than the average growth for all occupations.

On the other hand, employment for postsecondary teachers, who typically need to have a PhD in Economics, is expected to grow 12 percent in the next 10 years .

Difference in Salary for Economics Master’s vs PhD

Considering the differences mentioned above, there’s a significant difference in average salaries for economics master’s and PhD graduates. While a budget analyst makes around $84,240 on average per year, a postsecondary teacher makes $124,090 on average per year.

According to PayScale, the average salary of someone with a Master’s Degree in Economics is $82,000 per year , whereas the average salary of someone with a PhD in Economics is $110,000 per year .

Related Economics Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Economics

You should get a PhD in Economics because it will allow you to learn many valuable quantitative and analytical skills in the field, improve how you communicate with peers and non-experts alike, learn from a wide variety of specializations, and put you on track for a career in research and academics.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Economics

• Wide range of specializations. A PhD in Economics allows you to specialize in an area that interests you most, such as financial, labor, international, political, business, feminist, Keynesian, environmental, or development economics.
• Improve communication skills. Throughout your economics PhD program, you’ll be required to publish high-quality articles for peer review. This means that you’ll also be expected to learn how to communicate your findings to the common layman.
• Learn many relevant skills. Econ students learn skills that will allow them to work for several institutions. They’re able to evaluate and calculate risk, make predictions, develop and use mathematical models, and deeply understand market dynamics.
• Work in academia. Most PhD graduates desire to become professors themselves. A PhD in Economics allows students to work for all kinds of superior institutions and have a fulfilling career in research and academia.

Getting a PhD in Economics: Economics PhD Coursework

Getting a PhD in Economics begins with core economics PhD coursework. For most programs, these courses include micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematics for economists, and research design and methodology.

Microeconomics

A microeconomics course teaches decision-making when it comes to allocating resources of production, exchange, and consumption. Students learn about consumer and producer theory, general equilibrium theory, game theory, and other key applied microeconomic topics.

Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics is the area of economics that studies the economy as a whole. It accounts for the total goods and services provided, economic growth, and total income and consumption. In this course, students learn about the different macroeconomic models and current trends in macroeconomic thought.

Econometrics

In an econometrics course, students learn about probability and statistics, random variables, and hypothesis-testing procedures. Students will also be able to apply mathematical formulations to create complex economic models.

Mathematics for Economists

This core course is important to review the mathematical techniques required in economics. Students consolidate their knowledge in calculus, matrixes, algebra, differential equations, and set theory.

Research Design and Methodology

This introductory course is fundamental to guide students through conducting relevant research in economics literature for their dissertation, article publications, seminars, and any other papers they’ll need to prepare.

Best Master’s Degrees

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How to Get a PhD in Economics: Doctoral Program Requirements

If you’re wondering how to get a PhD in Economics, the answer is pretty straightforward. To successfully complete an economics PhD program, students will have to complete all of the doctoral program requirements. These include successfully concluding core economics classes, establishing a program of study, passing the qualifying exam and candidacy examination, and defending a final dissertation.

Every PhD student will have to take a common set of core courses during their first year. These courses in micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, and mathematics provide students with basic training for conducting research in their field at advanced levels.

At the end of the first year, students will take their first-year exam to prove their competence in the core course and readiness to continue with the program. Passing these exams will allow students to choose their specialization courses for the second year.

Just before the beginning of the second year, students will work with an advisor to help them figure out the specialization courses best for them. They will also facilitate the process of finding a permanent advisor and creating a program of study for the rest of the degree program.

Candidacy examinations, or field course exams, are tests that prove a student’s knowledge in the specialized fields in which they wish to pursue their dissertation research. Upon passing these examinations, students are then recognized as PhD candidates.

By the end of the fifth year, most students have already completed their research and are ready to present and defend their theses. Students defend their dissertation in a final oral examination. Upon passing the defense, students must submit a final copy of their dissertation.

Potential Careers With an Economics Degree

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PhD in Economics Salary and Job Outlook

Getting a PhD in Economics will grant you career stability and financial security. Career prospects in the economics field are great, as employment in these jobs is projected to grow faster than average. Continue reading for a list of some of the best PhD in Economics jobs available to graduates and an overview of their annual salaries.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Economics?

With a PhD in Economics, you can apply to many high-paying jobs in the field. These jobs can include financial manager, postsecondary economics teacher, economist, personal financial advisor, or even urban and regional planner roles.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Economics

• Financial Manager
• Postsecondary Economics Teacher
• Personal Financial Advisor
• Urban and Regional Planner

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Economics?

The average salary for someone with a PhD in Economics is $110,000 per year , according to PayScale. This value varies depending on the career path you choose, the company you work for, or even the industry you base your work in.

Highest-Paying Economics Jobs for PhD Grads

Best economics jobs with a doctorate.

In this section, we’ll cover the best economics jobs you can get with a doctoral degree. They include financial managers, postsecondary teachers, and economists. Other high-paying jobs include personal financial advisors and urban and regional planners.

Financial managers are responsible for the financial standing of a company or organization. They coordinate accounting and investing, create financial reports, and develop long-term financial goals for their company. They must have knowledge of the tax laws and regulations specific to their industry.

• Salary with an Economics PhD: $153,460
• Job Outlook: 17% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 681,700
• Highest-Paying States: New York, Delaware, and New Jersey

Many economics PhD students are interested in teaching in postsecondary academic institutions. After being hired, these professors are placed in the school’s department of economics where they can conduct research and teach one or more courses in the field.

• Salary with an Economics PhD: $124,090
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: New Hampshire, Montana, and California

Economists apply their knowledge and skills in economic analysis within a great variety of fields. They study the cost of products, examine employment, taxes, and inflation levels, and analyze economic history trends to make predictions for the future.

• Salary with an Economics PhD: $120,830
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 18,600
• Highest-Paying States: New York, Washington DC, and California

Personal financial advisors advise clients on investments, insurance, mortgages, taxes, and other areas related to financial investment and management. They work to assess a client’s needs and help them make the best financial decisions for their future.

• Salary with an Economics PhD: $119,960
• Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 275,200
• Highest-Paying States: New York, Washington DC, and Washington

Urban and regional planners gather and analyze information regarding economic, population, and environmental factors to advise developers on their plans to use land. Using their analytical and data skills, they eventually have the final say on whether a land project is feasible.

• Salary with an Economics PhD: $81,310
• Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 39,100
• Highest-Paying States: Washington DC, California, and New York

Is a PhD in Economics Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Economics is worth it. Getting an economics PhD is a great way to gain valuable skills for the econ job market, work on your overall communication, and guarantee financial security and stability over the course of your career.

Economics PhD graduates can choose between conducting research and teaching in superior institutions, prestigious government positions, and continuous work at some of the highest-paying private institutions.

Additional Reading About Economics

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PhD in Economics FAQ

Some of the top companies that are hiring economists in 2022 include RAND, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the World Bank. Fannie Mae, the IMF, and Amazon are also top companies looking for economists.

Yes, you are expected to teach or somehow be involved in classroom experiences during your PhD program. Most students receive financial funding through teaching assistantships. These are viewed as an important component of the PhD college career.

You’ll need to have some kind of mathematics background to be admitted to an economics PhD program. All candidates must have taken intensive math classes and need proven math ability in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

No, you don’t need an econ master’s degree to enroll in an economics PhD. However, only a small number of applicants are accepted into these programs and a master’s degree could be considered a competitive edge.

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Is an Economics PhD Worth It? The PhD Pay Premium

Read a summary or generate practice questions using the INOMICS AI tool

Economics students may often wonder if doing a PhD is the right move for them. After all, you can still get a good job in economics with just a Master’s degree. We’ve covered different angles of this topic before with helpful advice about what degree you’ll need as an economist , asking whether you should do a PhD , and even asking what kinds of economists are paid the most . Thanks to INOMICS Salary Report 2023 data, we can look more closely at the pay benefit for an economics PhD in today’s job market. This will help you decide if doing an economics PhD will be worth it for your own career.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the typical PhD in economics earns more than the typical economist with “only” a Master’s degree. But how much more? Is doing an economics PhD program worth it in the long term?

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The short answer: yes. INOMICS Salary Report data shows that in 2023, economics PhDs earned on average 96% more than economists with a Master’s degree. These are worldwide statistics taken from the full breadth of the INOMICS Salary Survey data.

The benefit to doing a PhD in economics varies by region. Figure 1 compares the “earnings premium” that an economics PhD has over economists with a Master’s degree across the world, using 2023 INOMICS Salary Survey data.

Figure 1: Regional Premiums in economics PhD pay compared to a Master’s

Clearly, in most regions acquiring a PhD in economics offers quite the premium. Some results may stand out as surprising, however.

First, in North America in particular, the premium for earning a PhD in economics seems smaller than expected. If a PhD only earns an economist an extra 36% increase in wages, ignoring a PhD and continuing to work might seem like a preferred option in this high-wage region.

In the Caribbean, South & Central America and Africa, PhD earnings are below Master’s earnings. This unexpected result appears to be the case due to the distribution of survey respondents. In both regions, the amount of industry economist respondents is much larger than academic respondents, and Master’s-degree-holding economists outnumber PhD economists in Government, Central & International Bank, and private business roles. These three categories of employer tend to pay more highly than others. This suggests that in these two regions, acquiring a PhD may not be necessary to have a well-compensated industry career. Further, it seems more realistic for Master’s-degree-holding economists to attain high-paying roles in these sectors without a PhD, as opposed to many other regions where a PhD would be considered a requirement.

As the previous discussion just showed, Figure 1 doesn’t account for the different sectors that economists work in. In general, economists who work in industry tend to earn very high wages, while economists who work in academia earn noticeably less until they are finally promoted to a full Professor of Economics. Then, academic economist pay catches up to industry pay. This is a trend noted in multiple editions of the INOMICS Salary Report.

This is particularly true in North America, the highest-paying region on average. Economists working in industry can earn high wages with only a Master’s degree. This is also true of Western Europe & Scandinavia and East Asia & Australasia, the second and third highest-paying regions identified by the Report.

Some other regions of the world feature much more of a premium for PhD economists. Part of the reason for this is clear. Since high-paying regions like Western Europe and Australasia pay higher salaries to begin with due to the higher cost of living, a high pay increase in these regions represents a lower percentage of overall pay.

This fact is supported by the graph; North America is the highest-paying region and features the lowest positive percentage increase in pay for PhDs. Western Europe, which pays the second most on average, features a slightly higher percentage increase. Readers should make no mistake; a 35.6% increase from a base salary of $100,833 (the average Master’s degree economist salary in North America) is a massive increase in pay. Comparably, the almost 120% increase in pay in the Middle East, Central Asia & North Africa region is an increase from an average Master’s degree salary of $17,321 to almost $40,000. In percentage terms, this is obviously enormous, but in cash terms less than the difference in North America.

Additionally, however, the high percentage premium for PhD economists in lower-paying regions may suggest that in these regions (i.e., South Asia, Middle East) there are more opportunities for economists without a PhD to find meaningful employment, so fewer individuals elect to study for a PhD. If this is true, those who do complete a PhD enjoy a high pay premium over their economist peers since economics PhDs are more rare in those regions.

Academic economists need a PhD

Economics students should keep in mind that academic jobs will almost certainly require a PhD in economics. Economics students interested in a career in academia should therefore be strongly encouraged to pursue an economics PhD, regardless of differences in pay. The following Figure 2 shows the pay premium for economists employed at universities, by region:

Figure 2: Regional Premiums in economics PhD pay compared to a Master’s (Academic only)

The pay premiums for economics PhDs tells the story quite clearly: across the board, in every world region, economics PhDs in academia earn much more than their counterparts without a PhD.

Readers might note that this graph is likely skewed because economics PhDs are probably more senior economists than economists without a PhD in academic settings, and likely hold higher-level positions; but this skewness supports the point. Economists interested in a serious career in academia must strongly consider getting a PhD, or have a specific reason to not need one. It is very difficult to earn a Professor of Economics position without a PhD in most of the world. Figure 3 below provides evidence to support this point.

Figure 3: % of Master’s degree economists in Professor roles by region

Figure 3 shows very clearly that burgeoning economists should expect to earn a PhD if they wish to work as a Professor of Economics in the future. Every world region has very few Professors with just a Master’s degree. Even in South Asia, which has by far the largest representation for Professors with a Master’s degree in our data, only 20% of Professors have a Master’s while 80% have a PhD.

Industry economist roles

It’s clear that academic economists usually need a PhD, but this isn’t necessarily the case in industry. However, readers may be curious to repeat the above breakdowns in industry roles, which can be instructive. Figure 4 thus shows the pay premium for PhD economists in industry roles by region:

Figure 4: Regional Premiums in economics PhD pay compared to a Master’s (Industry only)

Figure 4 shows that PhD economists out-earn Master’s-holding economists in industry jobs by a substantial amount in most regions. The lower industry PhD economist pay compared to Master’s degree economists was already discussed above for Africa and the Caribbean. In summary, Master’s degree holding economists outnumber PhD economists in Government, Central & International Bank, and private business roles in these two regions. Since these three categories of employer tend to pay more highly than others, it may slightly skew the graph in favor of Master’s degree holders. However, this suggests that in these two regions, acquiring a PhD may not be necessary to have a well-compensated industry career.

In North America, part of the reason for a lower than expected premium is likely the fact that in this high-paying region, high base salaries mean that salary increases will be lower percentage-wise. This was discussed above as well. Average years of experience are quite comparable for industry economists in North America (about 12 for Master’s degree holders and 15 for PhD holders), and the employer distribution is relatively balanced.

Figure 4 suggests that industry economists with a Master’s degree in North America ought to consider their career path and whether a PhD is right for them before going back to school. A PhD opens up some employment opportunities in the private sector that aren’t available to Master’s degree holders, and will increase pay, but whether or not that is necessary or desired is likely up to the individual.

Keep in mind that specific non-academic employers – especially governments, central banks like the Federal Reserve, institutions seeking economics researchers, NGOs like the World Bank, and even increasingly consulting firms – are likely to require an econ PhD for some higher-level positions. Be sure to check job listings for economics jobs that you’re interested in to see if a PhD might help you reach them in your career.

Comparing previous years: PhD earnings on the rise again

Using past years of INOMICS survey data, we can examine how the benefit to doing an economics PhD has changed over time. It appears that the premium in pay that economics PhDs enjoy is recovering after a slight dip during the pandemic years. See below Figure 5 below:

Figure 5: How much more PhD economists earn vs. Master’s economists by year, INOMICS data

Figure 5 shows that earnings for economics PhDs are once again rising relative to pay for economists without a PhD. It’s worth noting that pay for economists with both degree types has increased this year. According to the latest INOMICS Salary Report, economists with a Master’s as their highest degree experienced a 3.2% increase in pay on average since 2022, while those with a PhD have experienced a 35.9% increase. This has widened the earnings premium between the two categories from 80% in 2022 to 91% in 2023.

The dip in pay that economists experienced in 2022 may be partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And PhD pay is not the only factor that appears to be improving since COVID. The post-pandemic recovery of the economics jobs market has already been discussed by INOMICS, showing that earnings for economists with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees recovered sharply after the first waves of the pandemic.

So, is doing a PhD in economics right for you? According to the data, in most cases it will be. However, you must weigh the tradeoffs yourself. You may not need a PhD to have a fulfilling career in economics, particularly if you plan to work in a non-governmental and non-central bank role in industry, and particularly in certain countries and regions.

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Career earnings

What economists can expect to earn in different fields.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (online in 2023) reports annual wages for economists. For economists of all educational levels, the median earnings in 2021 were $105,630 with $62,460 at the tenth percentile and $193,690 at the 90th percentile.

Median Annual Wages for Economists in May 2021 in the Top Five Industries Employing Economists  (from the Occupation Outlook Handbook )

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , Economists. (Visited May 4, 2023).

Payscale.com reports its survey of people with Baccalaureate degrees (and no more) who are employed full time, showing starting salaries (typically with two-years of experience) and mid-career annual earnings.  Here are selected occupations for the 2021 report.

Source: Majors That Pay You Back, Payscale.com

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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Average salary of an economics phd.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the terminal degree in economics. Earning the degree requires years of study and culminates in the completion and defense of a dissertation of economic research. Many recipients of the PhD pursue academic careers as professors of economics, business and related fields. Others pursue careers in government or consulting. The average salary of a PhD in economics depends on the selected career path.

Academic Economists at Doctoral Institutions

Most four-year colleges and universities require a PhD for employment as a faculty member in economics. In addition, some PhD economists hold faculty positions in schools of business, law and public affairs or public policy. Salaries for economists in academia vary by whether an economist is on the faculty of a university that grants PhDs or only undergraduate and master’s degrees. The American Economic Association reported in 2007 that senior assistant professors at PhD-granting institutions earn an average of nearly $96,000 a year. Professors who earn tenure can expect to earn even more. The AEA reported that salaries for tenured associate professors average $128,600 a year, while full professors’ annual salaries average $204,800 a year.

Other Academic Economists

Economics PhDs who find employment as faculty members at universities in which the master’s is the terminal degree earn less than their counterparts at PhD-granting institutions. The AEA reported in 2007 that salaries for senior assistant professors average $80,167 a year. Tenured associate professors receive a small boost, with their salaries averaging $82,333. Full professors at colleges and universities that grant only bachelor’s and master’s degrees earn average annual salaries of $97,500, according to the AEA.

Government Economists

PhD economists with strong public policy interests find rewarding careers in government, especially at the federal level. The federal government has jobs for economists in many agencies and departments. These include the Federal Reserve Board and its regional banks, the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of Labor. A PhD in economics can begin a career on GS-12 of the federal government’s pay scale, according to the American Economic Association. Starting salaries on the GS-12 grade range from $60,274 to $78,355 a year, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s 2011 pay scale for federal employees.

Business Economists

Career opportunities for PhD economists are not limited to civil service and academia. Others enter the private sector, working in consulting, financial markets, banking, manufacturing and other business sectors. The National Association of Business Economics’ 2010 salary survey reported that its members with doctoral degrees earned an average of $150,000 a year, well above the $120,000 median for all NABE members, regardless of degree. In addition, the average starting salary for a PhD was $85,000. Highlights of the NABE report indicated that respondents to the survey included government economists as well as those in business, finance and consulting.

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Shane Hall is a writer and research analyst with more than 20 years of experience. His work has appeared in "Brookings Papers on Education Policy," "Population and Development" and various Texas newspapers. Hall has a Doctor of Philosophy in political economy and is a former college instructor of economics and political science.

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PhD in Economics Salary

Having PhD in economics offers some of the highest starting salaries of any field in the United States. In fact, a PhD in economics has the best starting salary of any non-STEM field, comparable to computer science or engineering.

We took a closer look at PhD in economics salaries, and here’s what we found:

• Early Career - $102,000 / year
• Mid Career - $134,000 / year
• Experienced - $150,000 / year

One problem is that PhD in economics salaries have high variance. Private industry jobs (e.g. economists working in data science) tend to have significantly higher wages than economists working in academia or the non-profit sector.

For example, PhDs in economics working in data science earn $114,000 / year on average, about 13% more than the annual average for all economics PhDs.

PhD in Economics: Salary by Job Title

Private sector jobs for economics PhDs have increased rapidly. Amazon, for example, has a Central Economics Team , which specifically hires economists to develop models to answer some of the business questions for the company.

Since most PhDs in economics tend to enter at mid- or senior-level positions, salaries tend to increase exponentially. Overall, the average yearly salary for senior economists in the U.S. is $150,000. FAANG companies tend to pay a premium for senior-level economists.

Salaries for senior economists at FAANG companies:

• Google: Up to $219,000 / year
• Amazon: Up to $171,000 / year + additional compensation of $140,000+

PhD in Economics Salary vs Other Fields

A PhD in economics salary equates to one of the top mid-career salaries in any field of study. It’s currently ranked #5, with an average mid-career salary of $134,000, behind only computer engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and biomedical engineering:

Salaries for PhD in economics rank higher than computer science ($131,000) and physics ($130,000).

PhD in Economics for Data Science

A PhD in economics has many practical applications in data science, and it remains one of the top fields of study among data scientists. According to the Burtch Works 2021 Salary survey, 6% of surveyed data scientists held an advanced degree in economics:

Similarly, the majority of FAANG companies, fintech, and consulting firms hire PhDs. Therefore, if you want to pursue a career in tech, a PhD in economics offers a path into top companies.

Economics PhDs typically enter data science and earn mid- to senior-level data science salaries .

Is a PhD in Economics Worth It?

Ultimately, pursuing a PhD requires a lot of time, about 5-7 years on average. During this time, working as a teaching assistant may only net you up to $30,000 / year. As such, delayed earnings may outweigh any potential salary increases down the line.

However, if you have a passion for economics and research, you might consider a PhD in economics if you:

• Have strong math skills and enjoy building models
• Can study for 50-80 hours per week
• Enjoy conducting research
• Are a strong self-starter and can thrive in a self-directed environment

Starting a PhD program is all about commitment. If you have the time and resources to invest and want to spend 5-7 years researching, then a PhD in economics may be a good option for you.

If your goal is a career in data science, economics is a great subject area, but you might also consider a PhD in statistics or a PhD in data science (which is becoming increasingly common).

PhD in Economics: Advice

We talked with an economics PhD candidate to learn more about PhD programs, tips for students, and how to know if you should pursue a PhD in economics. If you want to know if a PhD in economics is worth it, ask yourself these questions:

Are you interested in research?

PhD candidates conduct research and gain valuable experience in experiment design. This is becoming an increasingly desired skill in private industry, as more and more tech companies seek to measure complex processes and user experiences. If economics research excites you, you should consider a PhD program.

If not, you might consider a master’s in economics. If you’re interested in a data science career, use your electives to focus on programming and statistics, in addition to core courses in micro and macroeconomics. An applied economics program is another great option for this path.

Not sure if you’re interested in research?

Economics PhD programs typically start with actual courses, followed by a research training component. Then, you’ll conduct your own research and write a dissertation, with this final research period lasting 1-3 years.

Median Starting Salaries (by Institution): Economics

Salary (by major) data was collected from the U.S. Department of Education’s (USDOE) College Scorecard platform and indicates the median salary of an institution’s graduates  two years  after receiving their  bachelor’s degree in economics , along with the number of graduates per institution for which the USDOE has salary data. Since the USDOE focuses only on early-career salaries, we limit the salary tables on our Dataverse to “pre-professional” majors where students are more likely to pursue employment immediately after graduation (e.g., as opposed to attending graduate school) and within their undergraduate field of study.

*Note that the USDOE is not able to disclose salary data by major for all institutions offering a major in this area. For example, if a group of individuals within a certain institution is too small, the USDOE must suppress salary data in order to prevent identification of the group’s individuals.

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Top 15 Highest Paying Jobs For Economics Majors 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Discover the top 15 highest paying jobs for economics majors in 2024, including salaries and potential career paths for economics degree holders.

By definition, economics focuses on efficiency in production and exchange. There's microeconomics, macroeconomics, market economy, mixed economy, command economy, etc. But why should people care about economics, much less attempt to forge a career out of it?

Well, economics is crucial for understanding and navigating the complex web of decisions that shape our societies and individual lives. At its core, economics examines how individuals, businesses, and governments allocate scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs. It provides valuable insights into the functioning of markets, the impact of policies on economic growth, and the distribution of wealth and resources. It also helps us make informed choices by analyzing trade-offs and opportunity costs, guiding individuals and policymakers in optimizing their decisions. But to make all of that happen, you need people to drive the process, which means that choosing a career in economics will offer a myriad of benefits.

A career in economics with an economics degree opens doors to diverse opportunities with the best jobs, including roles in finance, policy analysis, research, consulting, and academia. Also, economists play a crucial role in shaping public policies, influencing business strategies, and contributing to global development, so the demand for skilled economists remains robust, offering stable and potentially lucrative career paths.

Overall, forging a career in economics not only offers financial stability but also the satisfaction of making a positive impact on the world through informed analysis and decision-making.

With that being said, let's jump into the best paid jobs for economics graduates:

Top 15 Best Paying Jobs For Economics Majors 2024 (Inc Salaries

1. economist.

An Economist is a professional who studies and analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services to understand and explain how economies function. They apply various theories, models, and statistical methods to examine economic phenomena, such as market behavior, government policies, and societal trends, and their work often involves conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, and providing insights into economic issues. Generally, they tend to work in diverse settings, including government agencies, academic institutions, financial institutions, corporations, and international organizations.

Becoming an economist typically involves a combination of education, skill development, and practical experience, but generally you will require at least a bachelor's degree in economics or a related field like finance, mathematics, or statistics. Considering advanced degrees such as a master's degree in economics, while some entry-level positions may accept candidates with a bachelor's degree, many economist roles, especially those in research or policy analysis, require a master's or Ph.D. in economics. Cultivating strong analytical skills, as economists need to analyze and interpret data, trends, and economic indicators. Mastering quantitative methods, including mathematical modeling and statistical analysis. Familiarizing yourself with relevant software tools such as R, Python, or statistical packages like Stata.

The average annual salary for an Economist in the US job market is $113,809  and is one of the best jobs for economics majors.

2. Market Research Analyst

A Market Research analyst is a professional who gathers, analyzes, and interprets data about a specific market, industry, or product to provide insights that can aid in decision-making for businesses and organizations. Analysts work and play a critical role in helping companies understand market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscapes, and their work involves employing various research methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis, to collect relevant information.

Becoming a market research analyst typically involves a combination of education, skill development, and practical experience, but generally you will need a bachelor's degree, as many market research analyst positions require a bachelor's degree in market research, marketing, business, statistics, economics, or a related field. Considering obtaining a master's degree, especially if you want to get into fields like market research, business analytics, or data science, Gaining proficiency in data analysis is important, as market research analysts need strong quantitative and data analysis skills. Acquiring knowledge of various research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observational studies. Developing strong written and verbal communication skills is important as market research analysts need to convey their findings and insights effectively. Learning to use tools commonly used in market research, such as survey software, statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau).

The average annual salary for a Market Research Analyst in the US is $64,795 .

3. Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst is a professional who analyzes financial data and trends to provide insights and recommendations that help businesses and individuals make informed financial decisions. They work in various industries, including finance, investment banking, corporate finance, and consulting, and their primary responsibilities include assessing the performance of investments, preparing financial reports, evaluating financial statements, and making recommendations for improving financial performance.

Becoming a financial analyst typically involves a combination of education, skill development, and practical experience, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, economics, or a related field. Acquiring proficiency in financial modeling, including forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis. Developing strong quantitative and data analysis skills. Obtaining a master's degree in finance, business administration (MBA), or a related field can enhance your qualifications and open up more advanced career opportunities. Pursuing professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Financial Risk Manager (FRM) will demonstrate expertise and enhance your marketability. 

The average annual salary for a Financial Analyst in the US is  $76,582  making it one of the best degree jobs.

An Actuary is a professional who applies mathematical, statistical, and financial techniques to assess and manage various forms of risk. They play a crucial role in the insurance industry, pensions, and other financial sectors, where their expertise is used to analyze and quantify the financial implications of uncertain future events, and their primary goal is to help organizations make informed decisions regarding risk and uncertainty.

Becoming an actuary involves a structured process that includes education, passing actuarial exams, gaining practical experience, and obtaining professional designations, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, finance, or a related field. Passing a series of actuarial exams to demonstrate proficiency in various areas. These exams are typically administered by actuarial organizations such as the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). Achieving an associate-level designation. After passing the initial series of exams, you can earn an associate-level designation from the SOA or CAS. This may include designations like Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) or Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society (ACAS). To obtain fellowship and reach the highest level of professional recognition, actuaries can pursue fellowship by completing additional exams and demonstrating relevant work experience.

The average annual salary for an Actuary in the US is $141,889 . making it one of the best economics job opportunities. 

5. Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is a professional who acts as a bridge between business stakeholders and technology teams. Their primary role is to analyze business processes, identify areas for improvement, and propose solutions that align with the organization's goals and objectives. They generally work across various industries and are involved in projects related to system implementation, process improvement, and business strategy.

Becoming a business analyst typically involves a combination of education, skill development, and practical experience, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in business, information technology, management, or a related field. Obtaining additional training or certifications in business analysis. Organizations like the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) offer certifications such as the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) or the Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA). Honing your ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions based on business needs. Familiarize yourself with tools commonly used in business analysis, such as Microsoft Excel, Visio, project management software, and requirements management tools. Considering pursuing advanced degrees or certifications as you gain more experience.

The average annual salary for a Business Analyst in the US is $93,359  making it one of the best jobs for economics degree holders.

6. Accountant

An Accountant is a professional responsible for managing financial records, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations. They play a critical role in organizations by helping to maintain accurate financial records, providing insights into the financial health of the business, and supporting decision-making processes. Accountants may specialize in various areas, such as public accounting, corporate accounting, government accounting, or forensic accounting. Public accountants often work for accounting firms and serve multiple clients, while corporate accountants are employed by businesses to manage internal financial functions.

Becoming an accountant typically involves a combination of education, practical experience, and, in some cases, obtaining professional certifications, but generally, you will require: A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's in accounting or an MBA, Considering obtaining professional certifications to enhance your qualifications and marketability? The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is one of the most widely recognized certifications for accountants in the United States. Other certifications include Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Developing proficiency in accounting software and tools commonly used in the industry involves familiarizing yourself with spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel and accounting software such as QuickBooks or SAP.

The average annual salary for an Accountant in the US is  $62,501 . 

7. Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is a professional who collects, processes, and analyzes data to help organizations make informed decisions. They play a crucial role in extracting meaningful insights from raw data, identifying trends, and providing actionable information to support business strategies, and work with various types of data, including numerical, textual, or visual, and use statistical and analytical techniques to interpret patterns and draw conclusions.

Becoming a Data Analyst involves a combination of education, skills development, and practical experience, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, economics, or a related discipline. Pursuing specialized training programs or degrees in data analytics, data science, or business analytics. Acquiring proficiency in statistical analysis techniques, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. Learning how to clean and preprocess data to ensure its quality and accuracy for analysis. Familiarizing yourself with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or matplotlib/seaborn in Python. Learning SQL (Structured Query Language) to retrieve and manipulate data from relational databases. Gaining proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data analysis, such as Python or R. Familiarizing yourself with popular data analysis tools and libraries, such as Pandas and NumPy in Python, or dplyr and ggplot2 in R. Considering pursuing relevant certifications to demonstrate your expertise. Certifications from organizations like Microsoft, IBM, or Google can enhance your credibility as a Data Analyst. 

The average annual salary for a Data Analyst in the US is  $76,698  making it a top job for a person with a good knowledge of economics.

8. Research Assistant

A Research Assistant is an individual who provides support to researchers in various fields by assisting with the planning, execution, and documentation of research projects. They play a crucial role in academic and non-academic research settings, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the completion of research objectives, and their tasks can vary widely depending on the nature of the research project and the specific requirements of the research team.

Becoming a research assistant involves a combination of education, skill development, and actively seeking opportunities in research settings, but generally you will require: Obtaining a relevant educational background in areas such as psychology, biology, sociology, economics, or any other field with research components. Honing your research skills, including literature review, data collection, data analysis, and writing. Developing proficiency in software such as Microsoft Excel, statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R), and any other tools specific to the research area. Seeking out courses that enhance your research-related skills, such as research methods, statistics, or experimental design.

The average annual salary for a Research Assistant in the US is $39,000 .

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9. Pricing Analyst

A Pricing Analyst is a professional responsible for evaluating and setting prices for products or services within a business. Their role involves analyzing market trends, competitive landscapes, and cost structures to determine optimal pricing strategies, and they play a crucial role in helping businesses maximize revenue, achieve profitability, and stay competitive in the market.

Becoming a pricing analyst typically involves a combination of education, skill development, and practical experience, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, finance, economics, or a related discipline. Honing your analytical skills, including proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods, Familiarize yourself with tools like Microsoft Excel or statistical software that pricing analysts commonly use. Developing a strong understanding of the industry or industries you are interested in is important, as different sectors may have unique pricing challenges and considerations. Familiarize yourself with pricing software and tools commonly used in the industry, which may include pricing optimization software, analytics platforms, and other relevant tools. Enhancing your proficiency in using financial modeling tools and spreadsheet software. Considering pursuing advanced degrees such as a master's in business administration (MBA) with a focus on pricing strategy or a related field? Exploring relevant certifications that demonstrate your expertise in pricing analysis. For example, certifications in financial modeling, data analytics, or pricing strategy may be beneficial.

The average annual salary for a Pricing Analyst in the US is $67,704 .

10. Compensation and Benefits Manager

A Compensation and Benefits Manager, also known as a Total Rewards Manager, is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing an organization's compensation and benefits programs. The role involves developing strategies to attract, motivate, and retain employees by offering competitive and equitable compensation and benefits packages, and generally, they work to ensure that an organization's reward systems align with its overall business objectives and support the attraction and retention of a talented workforce.

Becoming a Compensation and Benefits Manager typically involves a combination of education, relevant experience, and the development of specific skills, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, finance, or a related field. Doing coursework related to compensation, benefits administration, human resources management, and organizational behavior. Honing your analytical skills is important as compensation and benefits managers need to analyze market data, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and evaluate the effectiveness of compensation and benefits programs. Gaining proficiency in using tools such as Microsoft Excel for data analysis and financial modeling. Considering pursuing certifications or additional training programs related to compensation and benefits. Certifications such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) can enhance your qualifications. Obtaining a master's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field which can enhance your credentials and position you for more senior roles.

The average annual salary for a Compensation and Benefits Manager in the US is  $133,368  making it one of the top jobs for economics majors.

11. Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst is a professional who analyzes and evaluates public policies, providing insights and recommendations to policymakers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or other entities. They play a crucial role in the policy development process by researching, interpreting data, and assessing the potential impact of proposed policies, and their work aims to inform decision-makers about the effectiveness, feasibility, and implications of various policy options.

Becoming a policy analyst typically involves a combination of education, relevant experience, and the development of specific skills, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as political science, public policy, public administration, economics, sociology, or a related discipline. Pursuing a master's degree in public policy, public administration, or a related field will enhance your knowledge and qualifications. Honing your analytical skills is important, as policy analysts are often required to analyze complex data, research findings, and policy options. Developing proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Gaining experience with statistical analysis tools, data visualization tools, and spreadsheet software. Considering pursuing an advanced degree, such as a master's or a Ph.D., in public policy, public administration, or a related field? Advanced degrees may open up higher-level and more specialized opportunities in policy analysis.

The average annual salary for a Policy Analyst in the US is $81,139 making it a lucrative job for a person with an economics education in the next 10 years.

12. Business News Reporter

A Business News Reporter is an economics journalist who specializes in covering news and events related to the business world. They work for various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, online publications, television, and radio stations, providing coverage of financial markets, corporate developments, economic trends, and other business-related topics, and play a crucial role in keeping the public informed about important business events, analyzing economic data, and reporting on the impact of business decisions on various stakeholders.

Becoming a business news reporter involves a combination of education, practical experience, and developing key skills, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Taking courses that provide a strong foundation in journalism, news writing, and media ethics. Hone your writing skills by consistently producing well-researched and well-written articles. Familiarize yourself with digital tools and platforms commonly used in modern journalism. This includes content management systems, social media, and multimedia reporting. Pursuing advanced degrees in journalism or a related field is especially important if you aim for specialized reporting roles or positions in management.

The average annual salary for a Business News Reporter in the US is $45,788 .

13. Environmental Economist

An Environmental Economist is a professional who applies economic principles and methods to analyze and address environmental issues. They play a crucial role in providing insights into how economic activities affect the environment and how environmental policies can be designed to achieve both economic and environmental goals. This interdisciplinary field combines economic theories with environmental science to assess the economic impact of environmental policies, natural resource management, and sustainable development strategies.

Becoming an environmental economist involves a combination of education, specialized training, and practical experience, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in economics, environmental economics, environmental science, or a related field. Pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in environmental economics or a closely related discipline. Honing your analytical and quantitative skills is important, as environmental economists often use economic models and statistical methods to analyze data and evaluate policies. Familiarizing yourself with relevant software tools and programming languages commonly used in economic analysis, such as R, Python, or specialized environmental economics software. Considering obtaining professional certifications, such as those related to environmental impact assessment or economic analysis, to enhance your credentials. Acquiring additional skills that are in demand in the field, such as geographic information system (GIS) proficiency or expertise in specific economic modeling techniques.

The average annual salary for an Environmental Economist in the US is $90,489  making it one of the top 10 jobs in economics.

14. Insurance Underwriter

An Insurance Underwriter is a professional responsible for evaluating and assessing the risk associated with insuring individuals or entities. Their primary role is to analyze information provided in insurance applications, determine the level of risk involved, and decide whether to approve or deny insurance coverage. They also play a critical role in helping insurance companies maintain a balanced portfolio by making informed decisions on policy issuance and pricing.

Becoming an insurance underwriter typically involves a combination of education, relevant experience, and the development of specific skills, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as finance, business, economics, or mathematics. Honing your analytical skills is important, as underwriters need to analyze complex information to assess risk. Acquiring a solid understanding of insurance principles, terminology, and underwriting guidelines. Familiarize yourself with different types of insurance, including property and casualty, life, health, and specialty lines. Obtaining industry-recognized certifications will enhance your qualifications. The Insurance Institute of America (IIA) offers certifications such as the Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) or the Associate in Personal Insurance (API).

The average annual salary for an Insurance Underwriter in the US is $76,756  making it one of the best job options for those that chose to pursue an economics degree. 

15. Statistician 

A Statistician is a professional who specializes in the field of statistics, which involves the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data. They apply mathematical and statistical theories to design experiments, conduct surveys, and analyze data sets, helping businesses, researchers, and policymakers make evidence-based decisions, and play a crucial role in various industries and disciplines by using statistical methods to draw meaningful insights and make informed decisions based on data.

Becoming a Statistician typically involves a combination of education, practical experience, and the development of specific skills, but generally you will require: A bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, data science, or a related field. Taking additional courses in computer science, programming languages (such as R or Python), and data visualization to enhance your skills. Pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in statistics or a closely related field for more advanced and specialized roles, especially if you are interested in research or academia. Honing your analytical and problem-solving skills, as Statisticians need to be able to analyze complex data sets, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions. Familiarizing yourself with statistical software packages commonly used in the field, such as R, Python, SAS, or SPSS. Strengthening your mathematical skills, especially in areas such as calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory, as a strong mathematical foundation is crucial for advanced statistical analysis. 

The average annual salary for a Statistician in the US is  $94,984  making it one of the top economist jobs.

Conclusion 

Pursuing a career in the field of economics offers a multitude of benefits and opportunities. Economics serves as a dynamic and influential discipline that not only explores the fundamental principles governing resource allocation, market dynamics, and policy formulation but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic landscape.

Engaging in economics provides individuals with a toolkit of analytical skills, including quantitative analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are highly valued across various industries, and it allows professionals to contribute meaningfully to diverse sectors such as finance, government, consulting, research, and academia. Last but not least, the demand for economists remains strong, with opportunities for both entry-level positions and advanced roles that come with competitive salaries. As global economies continue to evolve and face new challenges, the skills acquired in economics become increasingly relevant, positioning individuals for long-term career growth and adaptability.

If you're ready to take on the world of economics head-on and build a long and lucrative career as, say, a Data Scientist, Financial Manager, or Management Consultant, you'll need hard work and show dedication, but also exhibit highly specialized skills that can be obtained by attending a college or university that offers a  MBA or a BBA undergraduate degree from a US accredited university like  Nexford .

What is the highest paying job for economics majors in 2024?

Experts and job sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor may vary in their opinion, but across the board, the one economics position that on average seems to pay the most out of any job in the industry is that of an Actuary who can expect to earn $141,889  in the US.

What are the most in-demand skills needed to get into a high paying job in economics? 

To secure a high-paying job in economics, it's essential to possess a combination of technical, analytical, and communication skills. Here are some of the most in-demand skills that can contribute to a successful career in economics: Proficiency in quantitative analysis that includes a strong foundation in statistics, econometrics, and mathematical modeling. Understanding and applying econometric modeling techniques is important for conducting empirical research and drawing meaningful conclusions from data.

Becoming familiar with regression analysis, time-series analysis, and other advanced econometric methods. Building proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R which are commonly used in economic research and analysis. Understanding economic policies and their implications is crucial, especially for roles in government, think tanks, or policy research institutions. Having a proficiency in financial analysis that includes understanding financial statements, conducting cost-benefit analysis, and evaluating investment decisions. Developing strong critical thinking skills which are necessary for analyzing economic problems, developing hypotheses, and proposing solutions.

Learn how to develop the most in-demand skills for your future career!

Discover how you can acquire the most in-demand skills with our free report, and open the doors to a successful career. 

How can I improve my chances of getting a high-paying economics career? 

Improving your chances of securing a high-paying career in economics involves a combination of education, skill development, networking, and strategic career planning. Here are some tips to enhance your prospects: Obtain a solid educational background in economics or a related field. Consider pursuing a master's or doctoral degree for more advanced roles, particularly in research or academia. Specialize in a particular area of economics can make you more valuable. Focus on a niche such as health economics, environmental economics, financial economics, or any other area of interest.

Develop strong technical skills in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and statistical modeling. Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, as well as data visualization tools, adds value in many economic roles. Join professional organizations such as the American Economic Association (AEA) and participate in online forums and discussions. Consider obtaining certifications that are recognized in the economics field. For example, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation can be valuable for roles in financial economics. Stay informed about current events, economic trends, and industry-specific knowledge. Understand how economic principles apply to different sectors, and be able to communicate the implications of economic trends for businesses or policymakers.

Is a graduate degree really necessary to get the best paying economics job?

While a graduate degree can significantly enhance your qualifications and open up more advanced and specialized opportunities in the field of economics, it is not always absolutely necessary to secure a well-paying job. The importance of a graduate degree depends on several factors, including the specific role you are targeting, the industry, and your career goals.

When evaluating if you do or don't consider: For entry-level positions in economics, especially in areas such as economic analysis, research assistant roles, or certain government positions, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient. Certain high-paying roles or specialized positions, such as senior economist, econometrician, or research economist in specific industries, may require a master's or doctoral degree. Advanced degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D., are often associated with higher levels of expertise and can lead to increased responsibilities and higher-paying roles. If you aspire to work in academia, conduct independent research, or contribute to economic policy development at a higher level, a Ph.D. is typically necessary. In some cases, gaining substantial work experience and building a strong professional network can compensate for the lack of an advanced degree. Relevant experience, skills, and a robust professional network can open doors and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.

Mark is a college graduate with Honours in Copywriting. He is the Content Marketing Manager at Nexford, creating engaging, thought-provoking, and action-oriented content.

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Average graduate salaries by university and subject: Where to go and what to study to earn top dollar

By: William Turvill

Going to university at Oxford or Cambridge pays. But it doesn’t pay as much as the London School of Economics or City University London. But it pays a lot more than going to Cardiff Metropolitan University.

And if you want to earn top dollar as a graduate it’s also worth aiming for an economics degree rather than fine arts and design.

Salary benchmarking site Emolument.com has compiled a ranking of 84 UK universities by analysing 2,400 salaries from graduates (defined as those with less than two years of experience in the workplace) with bachelor degree.

It marks the latest in a long line of graduate pay studies undertaken by Emolument, including research into which universities produce the most business leaders and which MBA courses are best for pay .

London School of Economics grads can expect to earn an average of £38,000, slightly above £36,000 at City University. Cambridge (£35,000) pips Oxford to third place (£34,000). Bath, Edinburgh and Durham, with £33,000, £32,000 and £31,000, come next in the ranking.

Cardiff Metropolitan props up the table, with an average graduate salary of £18,000, slightly behind Liverpool John Moores, Goldsmiths, Anglia Ruskin, University of Central Lancashire, Queen’s University Belfast and Aberystwyth on £19,000.

As for degree subjects, economics pays £33,000, ahead of engineering in second with £28,000. Fine arts and design is at the bottom of the table, with £19,000, just behind English literature and media, marketing and communication, both of £21,000.

Read more : Three-quarters of millennials will never pay off their student loan

And here is what you need to study…

Economics: £33,000

Engineering: £28,000

Management & Strategy: £27,000

Mathematics & Statistics: £27,000

Computer Sciences: £27,000

Accounting, Business & Finance: £27,000

Physics, Life Sciences & Healthcare: £27,000

Law: £26,000

Modern Languages: £26,000

Humanities (History, Geography, Politics…): £25,000

Chemistry & Natural Sciences: £23,000

Psychology: £23,000

Media, Marketing & Communication: £21,000

English Literature: £21,000

Fine Arts & Design: £19,000

Read more : This PE firm's slashed grad salaries – it's buying them houses instead

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High & Low MBA Salaries And Bonuses At The Top 100 U.S. B-Schools

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An international graduate from Harvard Business School ‘s MBA Class of 2023 made a base salary of $324,000 last year working in financial services, in either the Northeast or Midwest. That was just a grand less than another foreign student made after graduating from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania : $325K for a finance/accounting gig in the U.S. West.

Gaudy numbers indeed — and while they were the best for non-U.S. citizens graduating from the top U.S. B-schools last year, some U.S. MBAs from the top schools saw even better paydays. One Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA earned $500,000 to start a finance job in the West, while another GSB grad made $450K in finance in the Midwest, and a third made $400K in finance in the Northeast. From Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management , a U.S. grad reported a base salary of $450K working in finance in the Northeast; from HBS, another U.S. MBA made $425K in finance/accounting in the Southwest.

And the biggest salary of all in 2023: An MIT Sloan School of Management MBA, hailing from the U.S. and working in the Northeast, made an astounding $550,000 to start. His or her job was in — you guessed it — finance.

FOR MBAs FROM THE TOP SCHOOLS, BIG PAYDAYS & BONUSES

Sign-on bonuses were big and flashy once more in 2023, too: The highest, at Stanford, was $400K for a U.S. grad, better by $150K than the best bonus secured by a U.S. MBA in 2022. Four grads — U.S. from Harvard and Wharton, and one each from the Haas School of Business at UC-Berkeley — reported bonuses of $222,800 this year; for the foreign Berkeley grad, that’s better than all but one international grad in 2022. ( That one grad? He or she reported a cool $1 million bonus coming out of Harvard ).

The clear takeaway from the salary and bonus data released last month by U.S. News & World Report as part of the magazine’s annual ranking of U.S. B-schools is that an MBA continues to be a lucrative investment — especially, but not exclusively, if you get it from an elite school. Across the Poets&Quants top 10 , the average salary grew 3.4% to $168,891 from $163,327, and is up more than 14% in two years. The average bonus grew 4.7% year-over-year to $37,457, and has grown nearly 10% since 2021.

But life is also good for MBAs from the top 25 schools, where the average base salary grew 5.4% from 2022 to 2023, to $160,387, as all but two top-25 schools saw year-to-year salary growth. And while the average bonus at a top-25 school dipped slightly (by less than half a percent), all but six schools saw bonus growth in 2023.

Across the top 100 U.S. B-schools, 23 had average base salaries over $150K in 2023, up from 16 in 2022; 15 had salaries over $160K, up from just six; and five had salaries over $170K, up from two. But just like last year, one school remains the only one with an average base salary over $180K: Stanford, at $189,010, up 3.7% from $182,272.

P&Q’s 2024 TOP 10: CLASS OF 2023 AVERAGE SALARIES & BONUSES

Source: u.s. news & world report, the low lows, the high lows & the low highs.

U.S. News breaks down salary and bonus data according to U.S. citizenship: U.S. versus foreign. It also publishes an overall average. The lowest average salary overall in the top 100 was at South Florida’s Muma College of Business , at $54,867; the lowest in the top 25 was $128,333 at Florida’s Hough Graduate School of Business , and the lowest in the top 10 was $162,808 at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management . The latter two are significantly higher than the low average salaries in 2022.

The lowest low salary was a meager $756 for a foreign student in general management in manufacturing, who graduated from Babson College’s Olin Graduate School of Business . For a U.S. grad, the lowest low was $15,000 for someone who went into nonprofits in the Midwest: $15,000. That MBA graduated from Detroit Mercy College of Business Administration . In the top 25, the lowest low for a foreign MBA was at HBS ($36,590), and for a U.S. MBA at Emory Goizueta Business School ($31,200).

Conversely, the highest low salary was for a foreign grad at Rochester Simon Business School ($115K), while the highest low for a U.S. grad was shared by MIT Sloan and Michigan Ross School of Business : $110K. Five B-schools had six-digit low salaries for U.S. grads, and eight had six-digit lows for foreign grads.

Which brings us to the lowest high salary: For U.S. MBAs, that was Detroit Mercy ($79,040), and for foreign MBAs it was Alabama’s Manderson Graduate School of Business : $42,003.

HIGHEST AVERAGE SALARIES IN 2023 AT THE P&Q TOP 100

17 b-schools report double-digit growth in average base salary.

Some interesting wrinkles across the top 100 vis-a-vis foreign versus domestic MBAs:

• Schools where foreign salary high was higher than U.S.: 19 (up from 17 in 2022)
• Schools where foreign salary low was higher than U.S.: 40 (up from 20)
• Schools where foreign salary average was higher than U.S.: 37 (up from 30)

Of all schools, the biggest year-over-year average salary growth occurred at No. 87 University of Kansas School of Business , up 30% to $89,398 from $68,780. Keep in mind, however, that many of the schools in the lower rungs have very small programs; in Kansas’ case, only 20 grads reported base salary in 2023 out of 25 known to be seeking employment and 32 overall. (The smallness of so many of the lower-50 programs especially messes with bonus averages; see below for details.) In the top 25, the best year-to-year average salary improvement was at Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management , up 10.3% to $154,052 from $139,711; and in the top 10, Yale School of Management led with 7.3% growth to $163,830 from $152,744, while three schools registered 6.9% growth: Dartmouth Tuck School of Business ($170,824 from $159,842), Duke Fuqua School of Business ($162,834 from $152,297), and Virginia Darden School of Business ($167,899 from $157,090).

Overall, of 63 B-schools with growth in their average base salaries in 2023, 17 saw double-digit growth.

Meanwhile, 25 schools saw negative growth, with the biggest decline occurring at Hawaii Shidler College of Business , which dropped from $98,743 to $64,591, a decline of 34.6%. Texas-Dallas Jindal School of Management also dropped significantly, from $123,163 to $108,057, a decline of 12.3%.

LOWEST AVERAGE SALARIES IN 2023 AT THE P&Q TOP 100

Bonus round: the skinny on sign-ons.

Let’s talk more about bonuses. Namely this: They are far more volatile than salaries in terms of averages and year-to-year comparisons, especially at the lower-ranked B-schools where, because few report signing bonuses, one or two big numbers can boost the average significantly.

Case in point: No. 73 Miami Herbert Business School , which has the highest average bonus at $83,400 — but that’s because but only five grads reported bonuses, and one of them got $300K. The four schools that follow Herbert on the chart all boast big classes and bonuses averaged over a larger group of grads: Washington Foster School of Business (bonus average: $44,537), Georgetown McDonough School of Business ($43,325), Stanford GSB ($42,249), and Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business ($40,139).

The lowest average bonus was at No. 95 Detroit Mercy ($2,500); the lowest in the top 25 was at Florida Hough ($26,276). Across the top 100 schools, 25 schools reported bonus averages of $35K or more in 2023, up from 14 schools in 2022.

In the top 10, the highest average bonus was a foreign grad at Cornell Johnson ($44,146), while the highest low was a foreign grad at Virginia Darden ($10,000). More on bonuses:

• Highest high bonus: U.S.: Stanford, $400,000; foreign: Haas, Harvard, Wharton each with $222,800.
• Highest low: U.S.: North Carolina A&T Deese College of Business and Economics , $18,000; foreign: three schools at $20,000: Washington Foster, UC-San Diego Rady School of Management , Hawaii Shidler.
• Highest average: U.S.: Stanford $48,854; foreign: Maryland Smith School of Business $71,950.
• Lowest high bonus: U.S.: Brandeis International Business School , $3,000; foreign: Louisiana State Ourso College of Business , $5,000.
• Lowest low: U.S.: Alabama Masterson, $300; foreign: Stevens School of Business and North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School , both $1,000. Lowest in the top 10: $60,000 for a foreign grad at Michigan Ross.

At 27 B-schools, the foreign bonus high was higher than the U.S. high; at 33, the foreign bonus low was higher than the U.S. low. At 45 schools, the foreign bonus average was higher than the U.S. average. But at the school with the biggest differential, the tables were turned: Pepperdine Graziadio Business School ‘s U.S. grad average was $41,429 in 2023, while its foreign grads averaged just $8,500.

BIGGEST YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH IN SALARY AVERAGE AT THE P&Q TOP 100

The trouble with bonuses.

Did we mention that bonuses are hard to compare year to year? Here are some good examples why: The biggest average bonus growth from 2022 to 2023 occurred at North Carolina A&T Deese, where it grew 453.8% from $3,250 to $18,000 — because only one person reported a bonus last year. Likewise, at Miami Herbert, the bonus average jumped 262% to $83,400 from $23,000 — because just five people reported bonuses and one of them made bank with $300K.

Similarly, at Kansas, bonus average grew 166.7% to $6,000 from $2,250, but only three grads reported a bonus; at Chapman Argyros School of Business , it’s up 125% to $26,821 from $11,910, with only seven reporting (and one of them got $125K); at Denver Daniels College of Business , up 102% to $17,544, based on nine reporters; at George Washington School of Business , up 89.3% to $37,958, with 12 grads reporting; at Colorado Leeds School of Business , up 63.4% to $17,308, with 13 reporting.

More modest gains can be found in the larger programs: In the top 10, Stanford is tops with a 25.4% increase to $42,249 from $33,684; in the top 25, Georgetown McDonough (19.2%, $43,325 from $36,342) and UNC Kenan-Flagler (13.8%, $34,555 from $30,359) lead the way.

Just as bonus growth is hostage to the size of a reporting cohort, so too with bonus declines: Of 17 schools with negative bonus growth, the biggest drop-offs are at small programs: Houston Bauer College of Business was down 56.8% to $14,326; Baruch Zicklin School of Business was down 47.4% to $16,543; Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics was down 46.3% to $6,701; Willamette Atkinson Graduate School of Management was down 40.2% to $7,280.

Overall, of the 60 B-schools that saw bonus growth from 2022 to 2023, 37 saw double-digit growth, and five saw triple-digit growth (to be taken with a grain of salt, to be sure). Of the 25 that saw declines, 18 were by double digits. Twelve schools were down in both average bonus and average salary — with Harvard the highest-ranked of that group.

See the next pages for complete data on high and low salaries and bonuses for U.S. citizen and international graduates of the top 100 U.S. business schools.

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