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

Job-title file

Economist at Department of State, U.S. Federal Government

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

18 employees hold this title in Department of State. Median total compensation for the role is $170,132, above the department median of $138,024.

Employees: 18
Total payroll: $3M
Role median: $170,132
Agency median: $138,024
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$72,965$225,371+

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

How total compensation varies among the 18 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 State pays a median base salary of $170,132 for this role, 36% above that figure — about the 73rd percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of State sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$67,360

$89,330

$124,720

$174,720

$238,060

Department of State median · $170,132

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 State’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of State is $170,132, 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 State, the median of $170,132 ranks #15 of 43.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Commodity Futures Trading Commission

$259,302 · 37

Securities and Exchange Commission

$243,997 · 141

Federal Reserve System

$234,061 · 66

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

$216,716 · 89

Federal Housing Finance Agency

$202,671 · 72

Millennium Challenge Corporation

$198,385 · 13

Federal Trade Commission

$197,200 · 100

Department of Justice

$195,200 · 61

Federal Communications Commission

$195,200 · 62

National Science Foundation

$194,066 · 5

Department of Treasury

$191,850 · 416

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

$180,215 · 7

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 $152,736 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 Economist roles 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.

Same department

Other job titles in Department of State

Accounting 125
Administration and Office Support Student Trainee 279
Administrative Officer 270
Architecture 62
Audiovisual Production 30
Auditing 83
Budget Analysis 369
Building Management 54
Civil Engineering 19
Contracting 332
Data Science Series 36
Distribution Facilities & Storage Management 20
Electrical Engineering 22
Emergency Management Specialist 48
Engineering Technical 22
Equal Employment Opportunity 23
Financial Administration and Program 262
Fire Protection and Prevention 22
Foreign Affairs 3,382
General Arts and Information 22
General Attorney 367
General Business and Industry 81
General Education and Training 152
General Engineering 111
General Physical Science 23
Government Information Specialist 93
Grants Management 101
History 48
Human Resources Management 590
Industrial Hygiene 26
Information Technology Management 1,149
Instructional Systems 30
Interior Design 33
Language Specialist 46
Legal Occupations Student Trainee 22
Logistics Management 69
Management and Program Analysis 1,889
Mechanical Engineering 28
Medical Officer 18
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 1,417
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 54
Nurse 53
Paralegal Specialist 25
Passport and Visa Examining 2,412
Program Management 166
Public Affairs 297
Public Health Program Specialist 58
Realty 34
Records and Information Management 45
Secretary 94
Security Administration 409
Social Science 21
Social Science Student Trainee 66
Supply Program Management 17
Support Services Administration 165
Telecommunications 38
Traffic Management 65
Training Instruction 284
Writing and Editing 55

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Michael Ruffner

Economist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$225,571

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $225,571
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $225,571
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Edmond

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $225,571
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $225,571
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Michael Ruffner works as a Economist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Michael earned $225,571 in 2025. Their pay grade is 00.

Michael Tracton

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$224,984

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $224,984
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $224,984
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: K

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $224,984
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $224,984
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

At Department of State, Michael Tracton serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $224,984. They are classified at grade 00.

Philip Luck

Economist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$191,289

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $191,289
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,289
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Alexander

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,289
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $143,546
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

At Department of State, Philip Luck serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $191,289. They are classified at grade 15.

Beeta Ehdaie

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$186,207

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $186,207
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $186,207
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $186,207
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $139,023
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Beeta Ehdaie is a Economist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $186,207. They are classified at grade 15.

Matthew Ewald

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$182,295

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $182,295
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $182,295
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $182,295
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $136,102
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

At Department of State, Matthew Ewald serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2026 pay totaled $182,295. They are classified at grade 14.

Lynda Vargha

Economist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$180,484

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $180,484
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $180,484
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Denise

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $180,484
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $134,750
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

At Department of State, Lynda Vargha serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2025 pay totaled $180,484. They are classified at grade 14.

Kari Heerman

Economist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$180,359

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $180,359
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $180,359
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $180,359
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $135,344
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 10
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Kari Heerman holds the role of Economist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $180,359. Their pay grade is 15.

Mina Kim

Economist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$171,923

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $171,923
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $171,923
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $171,923
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $129,013
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 18
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Mina Kim holds the role of Economist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2024, their total compensation was $171,923. Their pay grade is 14.

Dana Stryk

Economist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$170,985

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $170,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,985
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $170,985
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $127,658
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Dana Stryk works as a Economist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Dana earned $170,985 in 2025. Their pay grade is 14.

Phillip Todd

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$169,279

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $169,279
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $169,279
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $169,279
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $126,384
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Phillip Todd works as a Economist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Phillip earned $169,279 in 2026. Their pay grade is 15.

Julie Perng

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$167,902

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $167,902
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $167,902
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Ting Ting

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $167,902
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $125,356
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Julie Perng is a Economist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2026 total compensation came to $167,902. They are classified at grade 14.

Christopher Kennedy

Economist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$166,236

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $166,236
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $166,236
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $166,236
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $124,112
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Christopher Kennedy works as a Economist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Christopher earned $166,236 in 2025. Their pay grade is 14.

Uzaib Saya

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$158,306

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $158,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $158,306
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Y

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $158,306
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,192
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Uzaib Saya works as a Economist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Uzaib earned $158,306 in 2026. Their pay grade is 14.

Jonah Yuen

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$158,306

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $158,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $158,306
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $158,306
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,192
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Jonah Yuen works as a Economist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Jonah earned $158,306 in 2026. Their pay grade is 14.

Tanner Gebhart

Economist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$153,336

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $153,336
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,336
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $153,336
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $115,065
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Tanner Gebhart is a Economist at Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. 2024 total compensation came to $153,336. They are classified at grade 14.

Jacob Forsyth

Economist/Department of State

2026 total comp

$133,964

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $133,964
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $133,964
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: S

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $133,964
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $100,018
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

Jacob Forsyth works as a Economist for Department of State based in Washington, District of Columbia. Jacob earned $133,964 in 2026. Their pay grade is 13.

Jared Farber

Economist/Department of State

2025 total comp

$84,601

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $84,601
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $84,601
Pay grade: 11
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: Wyatt

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $84,601
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $63,163
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

At Department of State, Jared Farber serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2025 pay totaled $84,601. They are classified at grade 11.

Emily Keane

Economist/Department of State

2024 total comp

$72,965

Sub-department: Department of State
Base pay: $72,965
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $72,965
Pay grade: 09
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $72,965
Agency Code (OPM): ST
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): ST00
Basic Pay (before locality): $54,754
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0110

At Department of State, Emily Keane serves as a Economist based in Washington, District of Columbia. Their 2024 pay totaled $72,965. They are classified at grade 09.