Economist salary in Australia
The median full-time salary for an economist is $148,800 per annum, before tax, up $31,200 since 2018.
Pay depends heavily on the employer: public sector roles follow published classification scales, while banks, consultancies and resources companies pay more for similar analysis. A postgraduate qualification and a few years of specialist experience move it up, and economists who shift into management or commercial strategy earn above the analytical range. Contract and consulting rates can run higher again, though they come without the superannuation and leave loading of a salaried public sector job.
Roles that pay more than economist
The largest typical pay rise is $4,300 a year, moving into Policy and Planning Manager.
- Policy and Planning Manager+$4,300/yr
- University Lecturer+$3,200/yr
How to negotiate a higher economist salary
- Know the market rate before you ask. The median full-time economist salary is $148,800; use that, not a guess, as your anchor, and adjust for your experience and employer.
- Lead with what's scarce, not just tenure. Skills like Economic modelling and Statistical modelling tend to command a premium over general economist experience, name them specifically when you ask.
- Bring a real alternative to the table. Policy and Planning Manager pays a typical $4,300 a year more and draws on similar skills, even mentioning you're weighing it up is a legitimate data point in a pay conversation.
- Time it deliberately. Reviews, the end of a project you delivered, or taking on responsibility beyond your job description are stronger moments to ask than an arbitrary date on the calendar.
- Ask for a number, not a raise. "Based on the market rate and [specific contribution], I'd like to move to X" gets a clearer answer than "I think I deserve more."
Economist salary questions
How much do economists earn in Australia?
The median full-time salary for an economist is $148,800 a year before tax. Seniority, specialisation, sector and the award or agreement you're employed under all move it.
Is economist pay rising or falling?
The median economist salary is up $31,200 since 2018. Figures from 2025 onward on this page are a projection, not a measured result.
What pays more than economist?
Policy and Planning Manager pays a typical $4,300 a year more and draws on similar skills to economist.