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

Scott Crosson

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$164,297

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $164,297
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $164,297
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Miami
Work county: Miami-Dade
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $164,297
Basic Pay (before locality): $164,297
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122010086
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Scott Crosson is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Miami, Florida. 2024 total compensation came to $164,297. They are classified at grade 04.

Christopher Mbu

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$164,155

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $164,155
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $164,155
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $164,155
Basic Pay (before locality): $164,155
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Christopher Mbu serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $164,155. They are classified at grade 04.

Sabrina Howell

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$163,964

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $163,964
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $163,964
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $163,964
Basic Pay (before locality): $123,041
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Sabrina Howell holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $163,964. Their pay grade is 15.

Liu Yang

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$163,964

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $163,964
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $163,964
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $163,964
Basic Pay (before locality): $123,041
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Liu Yang is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $163,964. They are classified at grade 15.

David Hill

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$163,669

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $163,669
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $163,669
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $163,669
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,669
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

David Hill is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $163,669. They are classified at grade 04.

Annelizabeth Mcmahon

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$163,228

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $163,228
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $163,228
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $163,228
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,228
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Annelizabeth Mcmahon serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $163,228. They are classified at grade 04.

Stan Bellotti

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$163,042

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $163,042
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $163,042
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $163,042
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,042
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Stan Bellotti holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $163,042. Their pay grade is 04.

Stephen Tibbets

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,629

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $162,629
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,629
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,629
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Stephen Tibbets works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Stephen earned $162,629 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Trillo Tello

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,629

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $162,629
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,629
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,629
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Trillo Tello serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $162,629. They are classified at grade 14.

Morgan Barr

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,629

Sub-department: International Trade Administration
Base pay: $162,629
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,629
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,629
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Morgan Barr works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Washington, District of Columbia. Morgan earned $162,629 in 2024. Their pay grade is 14.

Richard Champley

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,629

Sub-department: International Trade Administration
Base pay: $162,629
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,629
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,629
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Richard Champley serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $162,629. They are classified at grade 14.

Julian Richards

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,629

Sub-department: International Trade Administration
Base pay: $162,629
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,629
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,629
Basic Pay (before locality): $122,039
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Julian Richards serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $162,629. They are classified at grade 14.

Samuel Baize

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,533

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $162,533
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,533
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Silver Spring
Work county: Montgomery
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,533
Basic Pay (before locality): $162,533
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241450031
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Samuel Baize works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Samuel earned $162,533 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

John Friedman

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,377

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $162,377
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,377
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Providence
Work county: Providence
Work state: Rhode Island

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,377
Basic Pay (before locality): $123,041
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 440190007
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

John Friedman works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Providence, Rhode Island. John earned $162,377 in 2024. Their pay grade is 15.

Nadarajan Chetty

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,377

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $162,377
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,377
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Cambridge
Work county: Middlesex
Work state: Massachusetts

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,377
Basic Pay (before locality): $123,041
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 250170017
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Nadarajan Chetty is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 2024 total compensation came to $162,377. They are classified at grade 15.

Nathaniel Hendren

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$162,377

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $162,377
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $162,377
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Providence
Work county: Providence
Work state: Rhode Island

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $162,377
Basic Pay (before locality): $123,041
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 440190007
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Commerce, Nathaniel Hendren serves as a Economist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Their 2024 pay totaled $162,377. They are classified at grade 15.

Luis Martinez

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$161,604

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $160,604
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $161,604
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $160,604
Basic Pay (before locality): $160,604
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Luis Martinez works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. Luis earned $161,604 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

William Hawk

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$161,137

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $161,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $161,137
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Washington
Work county: District of Columbia
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $161,137
Basic Pay (before locality): $161,137
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

William Hawk works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Washington, District of Columbia. William earned $161,137 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Michelle Mcgregor

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$160,295

Sub-department: Nat Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrative
Base pay: $160,295
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $160,295
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Honolulu
Work county: Honolulu
Work state: Hawaii

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $160,295
Basic Pay (before locality): $160,295
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 152400003
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Michelle Mcgregor works as a Economist for Department of Commerce based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Michelle earned $160,295 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Gholizadeh Agha

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$159,860

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $159,860
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,860
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,860
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,860
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Gholizadeh Agha serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $159,860. They are classified at grade 04.

Andrew Vargo

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$158,708

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $158,708
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $158,708
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $158,708
Basic Pay (before locality): $158,708
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 36
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

Andrew Vargo is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $158,708. They are classified at grade 04.

Van Van Ameyden

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$158,277

Sub-department: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Base pay: $158,277
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $158,277
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $158,277
Basic Pay (before locality): $158,277
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): ZP

At Department of Commerce, Van Van Ameyden serves as a Economist based in Suitland, Maryland. Their 2024 pay totaled $158,277. They are classified at grade 04.

Moises Yi

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$157,982

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $157,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $157,982
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $157,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Moises Yi is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $157,982. They are classified at grade 14.

Evan Totty

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$157,982

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $157,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $157,982
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $157,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Evan Totty holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $157,982. Their pay grade is 14.

Marta Murray-Close

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$157,982

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $157,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $157,982
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $157,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Marta Murray-Close is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $157,982. They are classified at grade 14.

Joseph Staudt

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$157,982

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $157,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $157,982
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $157,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Joseph Staudt is a Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $157,982. They are classified at grade 14.

Lawrence Warren

Economist/Department of Commerce

2024 total comp

$157,982

Sub-department: U.S. Census Bureau
Base pay: $157,982
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $157,982
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Suitland
Work county: Prince George's
Work state: Maryland

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $157,982
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,552
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 241520033
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lawrence Warren holds the role of Economist at Department of Commerce based in Suitland, Maryland. In 2024, their total compensation was $157,982. Their pay grade is 14.