CFChooseField
Science

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Economists
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Median pay

$115,440
Median annual pay for Economists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

17,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Economists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Master's degree
Typical education needed to enter Economists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Economics and Accounting
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Computers and Electronics
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Communications and Media

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Mathematical Reasoning
  3. 3Written Comprehension
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Enterprising
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Realistic

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Achievement Orientation
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Innovation

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Working with Computers
  4. 4Processing Information
  5. 5Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Spend Time Sitting
  3. 3Freedom to Make Decisions
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
  • Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
  • Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
  • Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
  • Review documents written by others.
  • Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
  • Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.
  • Supervise research projects and students' study projects.

Software and tools

Microsoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandR · in demandSAS · in demandStructured query language SQL · in demandPython · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandTableau · in demandMicrosoft Power BI · in demandMicrosoft Access · in demandStatistical software · in demandStataCorp Stata · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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