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Economists

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-3011)

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.

At a Glance

Economists earns a median of $115,440/yr with +1.2% projected growth. Typical entry: Master's degree. Top skills: Analyzing Data or Information, Working with Computers, Getting Information.

Median Annual Wage

$115,440/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+1.2%

Annual Openings

1

Typical Education

Master's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (11)

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.1
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.1
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

4.1
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.0
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

4.0
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

4.0
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.8
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.8
Instructing

Teaching others how to do something.

3.3
Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

3.3

Knowledge (4)

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.5
Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

4.5
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.0
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.8

Abilities (14)

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.1
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.1
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

4.1
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.0
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.9
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.6
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.6
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.5
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.5
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.3

Technology (26)

Teradata Database

Category: Data base management system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
IBM SPSS Statistics

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
R

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
MySQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Mozilla Firefox

Category: Internet browser software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SQL Server

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX Shell

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
The MathWorks MATLAB

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Power BI

Category: Business intelligence and data analysis software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Tableau

Category: Business intelligence and data analysis software | Hot Technology

4.5
Statistical software

Category: Analytical or scientific software

4.0
StataCorp Stata

Category: Analytical or scientific software

4.0

Work Activities (20)

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.9
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.8
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.8
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.7
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.3
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

4.2
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.1
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.1
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.8
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.8
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.7
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.7
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.6
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.4
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.4
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.3
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.3

Work Styles (1)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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