Will AI replace economists?AI replacement risk 99% and how the work is changing
Median annual pay
$124,720
25th–75th pct. $89,330–$174,720
Top pay (est.)
$309,500
Top 10% $238,060
Pay in 5 years
$134,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$145,700est.
$125,300–$169,100
Outlook score
46/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
99%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.7%
1,100 openings / yr
Will AI replace Economists? AI replacement risk
99%
Very high
Ranked #840 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Skills, education and requirements for Economists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Analyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationGetting InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Important abilities
Written ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.