Economists
SOC Code: 19-3011
Economists carries a 46% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $115,440 and +1.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 17,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Economists (SOC 19-3011) carries an AI exposure score of 46%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 17,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $115,440, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Economists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
- 2. Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
- 5. Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.
- 6. Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
- 7. Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
- 8. Review documents written by others.
- 9. Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
- 10. Assess the costs and benefits of various activities, policies, or regulations that affect the environment or natural resource stocks.
Key Skills Required
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- Geography
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Communications and Media
- Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Economists?
Economists has an AI exposure score of 46%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Economists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Economists is projected to grow by 1.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 17,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Economists?
Key skills for Economists include Writing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Economists earn?
The median annual wage for Economists is $115,440, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Economists?
The typical entry-level education for Economists is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Economists?
Economists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).