Economists

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.90
Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.81
Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.80
Explain economic impact of policies to the public.76
Review documents written by others.75
Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.74
Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.73
Supervise research projects and students' study projects.71
Conduct research on economic issues, and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.71
Develop economic guidelines and standards, and prepare points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy.70
Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics.63
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.57

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Provide litigation support, such as writing reports for expert testimony or testifying as an expert witness.55
Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources.46
Construct and manage economic datasets.—
Present research at seminars and conferences.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Critical Thinking78
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Mathematics78
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making75
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving69
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Instructing56
Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Evaluation56
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

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Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Operations Analysis41
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Programming28
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources16
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Monitoring13
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Quality Control Analysis6
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Mathematics89
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Economics and Accounting87
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language76
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics70
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training53
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Communications and Media44
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Law and Government42
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management41
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Sociology and Anthropology38
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
History and Archeology36
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Geography33
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Personnel and Human Resources32
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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Customer and Personal Service30
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Psychology28
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Administrative24
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Engineering and Technology21
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Production and Processing20
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sales and Marketing20
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Philosophy and Theology19
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Telecommunications19
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Foreign Language17
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Transportation13
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Design11
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Physics8
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology7
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Medicine and Dentistry7
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Public Safety and Security7
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Chemistry5
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mechanical3
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Fine Arts2
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Mathematical Reasoning78
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas72
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

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Number Facility63
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Originality53
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Flexibility of Closure47
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Selective Attention44
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision35
The ability to see details at a distance.
Perceptual Speed35
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure35
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Auditory Attention19
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Visual Color Discrimination19
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Trunk Strength16
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Depth Perception13
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity10
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed10
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Arm-Hand Steadiness0
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity0
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Analyzing Data or Information98
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information94
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers94
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Processing Information91
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others87
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge86
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates82
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization79
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively78
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information70
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Training and Teaching Others69
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others64
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Documenting/Recording Information63
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships61
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Developing Objectives and Strategies60
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Coaching and Developing Others58
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People56
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards55
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates51
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Scheduling Work and Activities48
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing and Building Teams47
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others44
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings40
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others40
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Selling or Influencing Others40
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Performing Administrative Activities38
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public35
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources27
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Staffing Organizational Units27
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Assisting and Caring for Others18
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials7
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment5
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes3
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Handling and Moving Objects2
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing General Physical Activities2
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment0
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Intellectual Curiosity100
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Attention to Detail84
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Achievement Orientation72
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Dependability71
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity71
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Innovation63
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity63
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Cautiousness59
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Self-Confidence57
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Perseverance53
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Initiative51
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Adaptability48
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Stress Tolerance45
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Leadership Orientation41
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Control40
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cooperation29
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Social Orientation20
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Sincerity18
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy12
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism7
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative100
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional59
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising49
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic24
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Social23
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic6
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day92%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours88%
- 40 hours13%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually75%
- More than half the time21%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom61%
- Some freedom39%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day57%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Never17%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom38%
- Some freedom50%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important50%
- Very important17%
- Important25%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive21%
- Highly competitive50%
- Moderately competitive25%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important22%
- Very important52%
- Fairly important17%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%

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Time Pressure
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others17%
- Contact with others most of the time29%
- Contact with others about half the time42%
- Occasional contact with others13%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results21%
- Important results17%
- Moderate results50%
- Minor results13%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility13%
- High responsibility38%
- Moderate responsibility29%
- Limited responsibility17%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important38%
- Important33%
- Not important at all13%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week54%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important29%
- Important29%
- Fairly important17%
- Not important at all21%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)13%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)29%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)54%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious21%
- Fairly serious38%
- Not serious at all29%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month58%
- Never13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Important21%
- Fairly important25%
- Not important at all38%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated13%
- Slightly automated54%
- Not at all automated29%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time75%
- Never17%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a year or more but not every month57%
- Never35%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never58%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Limited responsibility33%
- No responsibility50%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Never79%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Less than half the time17%
- Never71%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never75%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time33%
- Never67%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)13%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)88%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never88%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never91%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never92%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never88%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never91%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never92%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never92%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never96%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never96%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never96%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Never96%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never96%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never96%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never100%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Master’s degree
Doctoral degree
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, Minitab, SAS, The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Oracle Java, Python, R
Spreadsheet software
Corel QuattroPro, IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Development environment software
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Structured query language SQL
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
UNIX, UNIX Shell
Data base management system software
MySQL, Teradata Database
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Microsoft Power BI, Tableau
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcView
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Desktop publishing software
LaTeX
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Financial analysis software
Palisade @Risk
Web page creation and editing software
MediaWiki

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
Forecast economic, political, or social trends.
Conduct research on social issues.
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Present information to the public.
Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Review technical documents to plan work.
Advise others on business or operational matters.
Advise others on matters of public policy.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Supervise trainees.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.

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Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology