Summary Report for:
19-3011.01 - Environmental Economists
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks
- Assess the costs and benefits of various activities, policies, or regulations that affect the environment or natural resource stocks.
- Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.
- Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.
- Conduct research to study the relationships among environmental problems and patterns of economic production and consumption.
- Develop economic models, forecasts, or scenarios to predict future economic and environmental outcomes.
- Develop environmental research project plans, including information on budgets, goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
- Develop programs or policy recommendations to achieve environmental goals in cost-effective ways.
- Develop programs or policy recommendations to promote sustainability and sustainable development.
- Develop systems for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental and economic data.
- Examine the exhaustibility of natural resources or the long-term costs of environmental rehabilitation.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Calculators or accessories — 10-key calculators |
| Desktop computers |
| Mainframe computers |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Scanners — Computer data input scanners |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Econometric Software LIMDEP; General algebraic modeling system GAMS; Global Insight AREMOS; Quantitative Micro Software EViews |
| Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access; MySQL software |
| Development environment software — C; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Microsoft Visual Basic |
| Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Economists.
Employment data collected from Economists.
Industry data collected from Economists.
| Median wages (2010) | $43.00 hourly, $89,450 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 15,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 5,000 |
| Top industries (2008) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Economists
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.