Career profile · SOC 19-3011

Economists

Economists is an occupation catalogued under SOC 19-3011. The role reports a median annual salary of $115,440 in the US and is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Master's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.63 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include government policy implementation, public finance, economics, maintain relations with local representatives, liaise with local authorities.

Median salary
$115,440
per year
Growth outlook
Little Or No Change
BLS 10-yr
Education
Master's degree
AI exposure
6.32/10
automation risk

Top skills

government policy implementation public finance economics maintain relations with local representatives liaise with local authorities advise on economic development maintain relationships with government agencies analyse economic trends develop economic policies consider economic criteria in decision making

Frequently asked questions

How much does Economists earn?

The median annual salary for Economists in the US is $115,440.

What is the job outlook for Economists?

The role is showing modest growth of 1% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 17,600 workers.

How do I become a economists?

The typical entry education is a Master's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.

What skills does Economists need?

The most in-demand skills for this role include government policy implementation, public finance, economics, maintain relations with local representatives, liaise with local authorities, advise on economic development. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.

Will AI replace Economists?

Our AI-durability model gives Economists a score of 0.63 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.

How hard is it to enter this field?

Economists has high barrier to entry — highly gated — a graduate degree or extended training/apprenticeship is typically required.

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