Economists

Also Called: Economic Analyst, Economic Consultant, Economist, Research Associate

What Economists do

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.

  • Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
  • Conduct research on economic issues and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.
  • Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work
  • Face-to-Face Discussions

Tools

  • Scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Mainframe computers
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
Minitab
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Object or component oriented development software
Oracle Java
R

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Business
accounting and economics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics

Education

  • 61% Doctoral degree
  • 30% Master's degree
  • 4% Post-master's certificate

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Conventional (Organizer)
  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Investigative (Thinker)

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Integrity
  • Independence

Values

  • Working Conditions
  • Independence
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Math
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Economists across the country typically make.

$30.06 / hour
$62,520 /year

Entry Level

$55.64 / hour
$115,730 /year

Median Level

$104.28 / hour
$216,900 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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