As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Economic Development Associate in the United States is $75,697 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Economic Development Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Economic Development Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Economic Development Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Economic Development Associate | $73,822 |
| Intermediate Level Economic Development Associate | $74,103 |
| Senior Level Economic Development Associate | $75,041 |
| Specialist Level Economic Development Associate | $76,166 |
| Expert Level Economic Development Associate | $77,867 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Economic Development Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Economic Development Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, Economic Development Associate positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Economic Development Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $84,781 | $41.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $84,781 | $41.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $83,267 | $40.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $81,753 | $39.0 | 8% |
| Healthcare | $81,753 | $39.0 | 8% |
Understanding how an Economic Development Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Economic Development Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,081 in 2023 to around $92,264 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Economic Development Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $93,081 |
| 2024 | $92,852 |
| 2025 | $92,264 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Economic Development Associate roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.
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