How to Become an Economist
Research how markets, policy, and incentives actually behave, and turn that analysis into forecasts and recommendations. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $124,720 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$124,720/yr
Middle half
$89,330 to $174,720
Job growth
Slower than average
Openings / yr
900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Econometrics
- Data Analysis
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Helpful certifications
- Graduate coursework (MA/PhD path)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
58/100
Work-life balance
56/100
Stress level
40/100
Related careers
- Business Intelligence Analyst$120,230 median
- Operations Research Analyst$88,940 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Economist make?
The median pay for an Economist is $124,720 a year, and the middle half of workers earn between $89,330 and $174,720 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). That covers everyone in the job, not only people starting out, so newer workers sit toward the lower end.
What degree do you need to become an Economist?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Public Policy, International Relations, International Business, and Agricultural Business.
Is Economist a growing field?
Projected job growth for this role from 2024 to 2034 is slower than average (BLS projections via O*NET), with roughly 900 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Economist use most?
Common skills for this role are Econometrics, Data Analysis, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, and Writing.
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Take the major quizWhere these pay figures come from
Career pay is the annual wage of everyone working in that occupation, not only recent graduates, so it includes people who have done the job for decades. The middle half is the 25th to the 75th percentile. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).
All figures are national. What you earn depends on where you work, who you work for, and how far you take the degree.
Job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).