Economists
Did You Know:*
- Slower than average job growth is expected, as the vast majority of bachelor's degree holders in economics find employment in closely related fields, such as business, finance, or insurance.
- Candidates who hold a master's or Ph.D. degree in economics will have the best employment prospects and advancement opportunities; some entry-level positions are available to those with a bachelor's degree.
- Quantitative skills are important in all economics specialties.
Industry Areas
- Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
- State Government (OES Designation)
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- Supervise research projects and students' study projects.
- Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics.
- Provide litigation support, such as writing reports for expert testimony or testifying as an expert witness.
Overall Kind of Work*
Economists study how society distributes resources, such as land, labor, raw materials and machinery, to produce goods and services. They conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor econom...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Economists have structured work schedules. They often work alone, writing reports, preparing statistical charts and using computers, but they also may be an integral part of a research team. Many ...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 23.02% (40 Hours)
- 54.40% (41-49 Hours)
- 22.58% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Economists (19-3011)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
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Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
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Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
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Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 24.80% (Private For-Profit)
- 10.30% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 20.31% (State and Local Govt)
- 38.53% (Federal Government)
- 6.06% (Self-Employed)