U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Commerce / Economist

Job-title file

Economist

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

556 employees hold this title in Department of Commerce. Median total compensation for the role is $145,723, above the department median of $127,707.

Employees: 556
Total payroll: $81.7M
Role median: $145,723
Agency median: $127,707
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$68,405$206,208+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 556 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Economist pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Economists — about 17,790 people — is $124,720. Department of Commerce pays a median base salary of $145,489 for this role, 17% above that figure — about the 60th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Commerce sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$67,360

$89,330

$124,720

$174,720

$238,060

Department of Commerce median · $145,489

The bar is the range of annual wages for Economists across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Commerce’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Commerce is $145,723, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Economist is held in 43 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Commerce, the median of $145,723 ranks #27 of 43.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

$247,426 · 32

Securities and Exchange Commission

$214,634 · 138

Federal Reserve System

$208,995 · 65

National Science Foundation

$204,000 · 5

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

$200,226 · 87

Federal Housing Finance Agency

$196,471 · 64

Federal Trade Commission

$191,900 · 88

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

$191,900 · 3

Department of Justice

$191,900 · 55

Federal Communications Commission

$191,350 · 62

Department of Treasury

$183,749 · 363

Small Business Administration

$181,216 · 9

Median total compensation for the Economist role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Compare jurisdictions

Economist beyond U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

This role is reported in 5 jurisdictions. In U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense), the median of $144,042 ranks #1 of 5. See Economist across all of U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

$135,913 · 8

$79,810 · 69

$73,923 · 10

$65,123 · 35

Median total compensation for comparable Economistroles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Megan Sheehy

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$102,149

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $102,149
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,149
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,149
Basic Pay (before locality): $102,149
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Megan Sheehy works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Megan earned $102,149 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Dakota Young

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$102,084

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,884
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,084
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Dakota Young holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $102,084. Their pay grade is 12.

Olivia Johnson

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$101,732

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $101,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $732
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,732
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $101,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $101,000
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Olivia Johnson works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Olivia earned $101,732 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Jason Zimmermann

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$101,084

Sub-department: Patent and Trademark Office
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,884
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,084
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Warrenton
Work county: Fauquier
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 512570061
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jason Zimmermann is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Warrenton, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $101,084. They are classified at grade 12.

Elliot Berg

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$100,662

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $100,662
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,662
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,662
Basic Pay (before locality): $100,662
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Elliot Berg holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $100,662. Their pay grade is 03.

Sean Mullee

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$100,662

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $100,662
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,662
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,662
Basic Pay (before locality): $100,662
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Sean Mullee works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Sean earned $100,662 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

George Gardner

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$100,376

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $100,157
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $219
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,376
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Silver Spring
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,157
Basic Pay (before locality): $100,157
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241450031
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

George Gardner is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Silver Spring, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $100,376. They are classified at grade 03.

Dorian Turner

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$100,015

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $100,015
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,015
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $100,015
Basic Pay (before locality): $100,015
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Dorian Turner works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Dorian earned $100,015 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Brian Mccue

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$99,811

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $98,811
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,811
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Spring
Work county: Harris
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,811
Basic Pay (before locality): $98,811
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 486553201
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Brian Mccue serves as a Economist based in Spring, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $99,811. They are classified at grade 03.

Katia Murrugarra

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$99,245

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $99,245
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,245
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,245
Basic Pay (before locality): $99,245
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Katia Murrugarra works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Katia earned $99,245 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Tobias Reynolds

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$99,200

Sub-department: International Trade Administration
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Tobias Reynolds serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $99,200. They are classified at grade 12.

Robert Dominy

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$99,200

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Robert Dominy serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $99,200. They are classified at grade 12.

Lorenz Ekerdt

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$99,200

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lorenz Ekerdt works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Lorenz earned $99,200 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Shomik Ghosh

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$99,200

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Shomik Ghosh works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Shomik earned $99,200 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Matthew Staiger

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$99,044

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $99,044
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,044
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Oceanside
Work county: San Diego
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,044
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 062510073
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Matthew Staiger is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Oceanside, California. 2024 total compensation came to $99,044. They are classified at grade 12.

Jisoo Kim

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$98,883

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $98,883
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,883
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Philadelphia
Work county: Philadelphia
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,883
Basic Pay (before locality): $76,922
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 426540101
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jisoo Kim is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2024 total compensation came to $98,883. They are classified at grade 12.

James Fogel

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$98,240

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $98,240
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,240
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Boston
Work county: Suffolk
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $98,240
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250120025
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, James Fogel serves as a Economist based in Boston, Massachusetts. Their 2024 pay totaled $98,240. They are classified at grade 12.

Andrew Craig

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$97,925

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $97,925
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,925
Pay grade: 02
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $97,925
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,925
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Andrew Craig works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Andrew earned $97,925 in 2024. Their pay grade is 02.

Sarah Siegel

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$97,153

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $97,153
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,153
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Silver Spring
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $97,153
Basic Pay (before locality): $97,153
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241450031
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Sarah Siegel serves as a Economist based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $97,153. They are classified at grade 03.

Simone Miles

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$96,362

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $95,362
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,362
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $95,362
Basic Pay (before locality): $95,362
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Simone Miles works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Simone earned $96,362 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.