Job Prospects for Economists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for economists was $105,630 in May 2021. For perspective, that figure was 30.6% higher than the median annual pay for social scientists and related workers, and 130.8% higher than the median annual pay for all occupations. The Bureau also projects that job opportunities for economists will grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030, which exceeds the average for both social scientists and all occupations.

Furthermore, the Connecticut Department of Labor reports strong median wage growth for economists relative to life, physical, and social science occupations, as well as all occupations.

Central economics students develop a number of marketable skills that prepare them to be competitive job market and graduate school candidates, including:

• Critical Thinking
• Policy Evaluation
• Quantitative Analysis
• Technical Skills with Computer Software
• Written Expression

Central economics students have pursued careers in a wide variety of job settings directly after graduation, including corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and small businesses. Our recent graduates have been employed by:

For more information about job prospects for economists, contact your academic advisor, or refer to the American Economic Association’s “Careers in Economics” site.

Central economics students have also pursued master’s and doctoral degrees – in economics, law, public policy, and other related fields – from competitive graduate programs. Our recent graduates have been accepted to:

For more information about graduate programs in economics, contact your academic advisor, or refer to the American Economic Association’s “Preparing for Graduate School” site.