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
Job growth
1%
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
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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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 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Economist?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, and Public Policy.
Is Economist a growing field?
The BLS projects slower than average demand for this role, about 1% over the decade, 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 quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.