Environmental Economists

Also Called: Economist, Environmental Economist, Natural Resource Economist, Resource Economist

What Environmental Economists do

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

  • Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.
  • Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.
  • Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Spend Time Sitting

Tools

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

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
Minitab
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Development environment software
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension

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

  • 44% Doctoral degree
  • 41% Master's degree
  • 11% Bachelor's degree

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
  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Persistence

Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Math
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Memory

This is what Environmental 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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