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

Eric Suranski

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$109,448

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $109,448
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,448
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,448
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,448
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Eric Suranski serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $109,448. They are classified at grade 03.

Andrew Woodard

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$109,168

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $108,168
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,168
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,168
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,168
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Andrew Woodard works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Andrew earned $109,168 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Nabil Abbyad

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$109,119

Sub-department: International Trade Administration
Base pay: $109,119
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,119
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $109,119
Basic Pay (before locality): $81,884
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Nabil Abbyad works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Washington, District of Columbia. Nabil earned $109,119 in 2024. Their pay grade is 12.

Meghan Scott

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$109,047

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $108,047
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $109,047
Pay grade: 03
Work city: San Diego
Work county: San Diego
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,047
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,047
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 063260073
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Meghan Scott serves as a Economist based in San Diego, California. Their 2024 pay totaled $109,047. They are classified at grade 03.

Pontave Maharath

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$108,904

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $108,904
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $108,904
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,904
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,904
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Pontave Maharath serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $108,904. They are classified at grade 03.

Michael Maragos

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$108,789

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $108,789
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $108,789
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,789
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,789
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Michael Maragos holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $108,789. Their pay grade is 03.

Lam Cao

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$108,684

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $108,684
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $108,684
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Palm Coast
Work county: Flagler
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,684
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,684
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122439035
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Lam Cao is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Palm Coast, Florida. 2024 total compensation came to $108,684. They are classified at grade 03.

Kekai Liu

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$108,636

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $107,636
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $108,636
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,636
Basic Pay (before locality): $107,636
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Kekai Liu serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $108,636. They are classified at grade 03.

Thomas Briggs

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$108,343

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $108,343
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $108,343
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $108,343
Basic Pay (before locality): $108,343
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Thomas Briggs is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $108,343. They are classified at grade 03.

Michael Partyka

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$107,637

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $107,637
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,637
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,637
Basic Pay (before locality): $107,637
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Michael Partyka serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $107,637. They are classified at grade 03.

Vincent Accardi

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$107,635

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $107,635
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $107,635
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $107,635
Basic Pay (before locality): $107,635
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Vincent Accardi works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Vincent earned $107,635 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Linda Fawaz

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$106,968

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $106,968
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,968
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,968
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,968
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Linda Fawaz works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Linda earned $106,968 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Rebekah Todd

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$106,866

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $106,866
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,866
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,866
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,866
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Rebekah Todd holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $106,866. Their pay grade is 03.

David Stein

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$106,308

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $106,308
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,308
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,308
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,308
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

David Stein holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $106,308. Their pay grade is 03.

Samantha Werner

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$106,303

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $106,303
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $106,303
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Woods Hole
Work county: Barnstable
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $106,303
Basic Pay (before locality): $106,303
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 251517001
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Samantha Werner holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. In 2024, their total compensation was $106,303. Their pay grade is 03.

Travis Grout

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,775

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $105,775
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,775
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Silver Spring
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $105,775
Basic Pay (before locality): $105,775
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241450031
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Travis Grout is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Silver Spring, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $105,775. They are classified at grade 03.

Alexander Eisenmann

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,479

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $105,479
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,479
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $105,479
Basic Pay (before locality): $105,479
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Alexander Eisenmann works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Alexander earned $105,479 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Ilya Schneider

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,308

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $105,308
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,308
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $105,308
Basic Pay (before locality): $105,308
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Ilya Schneider serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $105,308. They are classified at grade 03.

Sarah Wheaton

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$105,308

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $105,308
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $105,308
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $105,308
Basic Pay (before locality): $105,308
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Sarah Wheaton works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Washington, District of Columbia. Sarah earned $105,308 in 2024. Their pay grade is 03.

Natalie Buzzard

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,996

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $104,996
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,996
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,996
Basic Pay (before locality): $104,996
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Natalie Buzzard is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $104,996. They are classified at grade 03.

Anthony Martini

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,996

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $104,996
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,996
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,996
Basic Pay (before locality): $104,996
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Anthony Martini serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,996. They are classified at grade 03.

David Freidman

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$104,944

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $104,944
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,944
Pay grade: 03
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $104,944
Basic Pay (before locality): $104,944
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, David Freidman serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $104,944. They are classified at grade 03.