Economists
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
How AI Impacts Each Task
13 tasks analyzed
Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics.
Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
Conduct research on economic issues and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.
Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
Supervise research projects and students' study projects.
Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.
Develop economic guidelines and standards and prepare points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy.
Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources.
Testify at regulatory or legislative hearings concerning the estimated effects of changes in legislation or public policy and present recommendations based on cost-benefit analyses.
Provide litigation support, such as writing reports for expert testimony or testifying as an expert witness.
Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics. | 35Estimated | 29.0% | 10% | |
| Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture. | 49.32Observed | 46.7% | 15% | |
| Conduct research on economic issues and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals. | 54.17Observed | 48.7% | 15% | |
| Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques. | 56.45Observed | 49.6% | 15% | |
| Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 10% | |
| Supervise research projects and students' study projects. | 58.15Observed | 38.3% | 5% | |
| Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets. | 60Observed | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Develop economic guidelines and standards and prepare points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers. | 64.28Observed | 40.7% | 5% | |
| Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 5% | |
| Testify at regulatory or legislative hearings concerning the estimated effects of changes in legislation or public policy and present recommendations based on cost-benefit analyses. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 3% | |
| Provide litigation support, such as writing reports for expert testimony or testifying as an expert witness. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Explain economic impact of policies to the public. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 5% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation
At Least 18% of Jobs Face Major AI Risk, OpenAI Economist Predicts
OpenAI's chief economist warns that nearly one-fifth of the workforce faces severe displacement risks, arguing that mere exposure to AI underestimates actual job losses. The distinction suggests companies will replace, rather than augment, these roles.
Why Economists May Be Underestimating AI's Labor Disruption
Traditional economic models assume technological disruption eventually creates new jobs to replace lost ones. However, experts warn that AI's unique capabilities might break this historical pattern of labor market recovery.
The Economist explores AI's growing disruption of knowledge work
The rapid advancement of generative models is creating a pivotal shift in how intellectual labor is valued and executed. This transition threatens to commoditize specialized knowledge work that was previously considered immune to automation.
The tech jobs bust is real. Don’t blame AI (yet) - The Economist
Current tech industry layoffs are driven by overhiring and high interest rates rather than artificial intelligence. However, the underlying data suggests AI-driven displacement is looming as companies quietly restructure to prioritize automation.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis