An Economics Professor is an academic expert specializing in the study of economics, focusing on how societies, governments, businesses, and individuals allocate resources. They are responsible for teaching economic theories, conducting research, and publishing their findings.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 3.8% (average)
Annual job openings: 1,200
Direct AI exposure: 22% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 66% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $124K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $64K per year | $87K per year | $124K per year | $169K per year | $224K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $73K above the national average. | ||||
Economics Professors typically work in colleges and universities, conducting lectures in classrooms, performing research in offices or specialized research facilities, and attending academic conferences. They may also engage in public speaking or consulting activities related to economic policy or business strategies.
Economics Professors play a vital role in advancing economic knowledge and understanding. They teach a range of courses that can cover anything from basic economic principles to complex economic theories and models. Effective teaching involves not only conveying theoretical knowledge but also discussing its application in real-world scenarios, thereby preparing students for careers in economics, finance, government, and various other fields.
Their research can cover a wide array of economic topics and often involves complex statistical analysis and modeling. This research is critical for developing new economic theories or policies and can have far-reaching impacts, influencing everything from government policy to business strategies. As part of their research duties, they are expected to publish in academic journals, contributing to the broader economic discourse.
In addition to teaching and research, Economics Professors are involved in a variety of academic services, such as advising students, serving on committees, and participating in academic conferences. They may also engage in public policy discussions, offering their expertise on economic matters to the media, government agencies, and other organizations.
Becoming an Economics Professor usually requires a Ph.D. in Economics, which involves approximately 8-10 years of post-secondary education, including both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.