Environmental Economists

Employment opportunities for economists are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Private industry, such as management, scientific, and technical consulting services, will offer the most job prospects for environmental economists. Growth in this area is due to the increasingly global economy, which requires additional regulations and laws, and a more competitive business environment. Job openings will also occur as economists leave their positions or retire from the field. Environmental economists with a master's degree or Ph.D in environmental economics and strong knowledge of statistical analytical software programs will have an advantage in the job market.

In the academic arena, college economics teachers will have 3 percent employment growth (slower than the average) through 2033. There will be keen competition for teaching jobs. Environmental economists with a master's or doctoral degree, and who meet state certification requirements (for those applying for jobs at high schools), will have better chances of finding teaching work than those with only a bachelor's degree.