Science
Economist
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.
Median pay
$124,720
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,100
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Economist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Master's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Economist: 88% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: Economic Advisor · Economic Analyst · Economic Consultant · Economic Development Specialist · Economist · Forensic Economist · Project Economist · Research Economist
Outlook and AI
Economists held 18,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 19,500 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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- Economist vs. Financial manager
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