Launch Your Career as a Lead Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Are you an experienced economist with a passion for data integrity and national economic policy? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is currently seeking a highly skilled individual for a GS-13 Economist position. This role is pivotal for maintaining the accuracy of our nation’s industrial price programs. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to support high-impact decision-making, this is your chance to join one of the most respected agencies in the federal government.

Job Responsibilities

As a technical expert in the San Francisco Regional Office, your daily contributions will have a national impact:

Data Leadership: Collect data for complex, heavily weighted industries that are essential to national publication goals.
Process Innovation: Develop and modify collection procedures to adapt to rapidly changing product areas.
Strategic Negotiation: Act as a regional non-response specialist, working with high-level corporate and government officials to ensure data accuracy and cooperation.
Policy Oversight: Serve as the regional subject matter expert on BLS confidentiality and security protocols.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized Requirements

Requirement	Description
Basic Education	Economics degree + 21 credits in Econ, 3 in Stat/Calculus
Experience Level	1 year equivalent to GS-12 federal service
Documentation	2-page resume limit + SF-50 (for current employees)
Assessment	Mandatory USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments

Requirements

To qualify for this role, you must demonstrate a deep understanding of economic principles. Applicants must meet specific educational benchmarks—a major in economics with specified semester hours in statistics or accounting is non-negotiable. Additionally, you must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-12 grade level, showcasing your ability to conduct complex economic analysis and maintain professional data collection standards.

Salary Overview

The salary for this GS-13 position is highly competitive, ranging from $119,630 to $172,980 per year. This compensation reflects the high level of technical proficiency and professional responsibility required for the role.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Labor enjoy a robust federal benefits package:

Health, vision, and dental insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan.
Generous leave policies (vacation and sick time).
Flexible telework options tailored to your office's operational needs.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a hard requirement for eligibility.
Quantify Your Impact: In your resume, list your accomplishments with metrics where possible—such as the number of firms engaged or the size of datasets managed.
Prepare for Assessments: The USA Hire assessment is a critical part of the process. Utilize the practice resources available on the official OPM website.

Serving as an Economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics is more than just a job; it is a contribution to the economic pulse of the United States. If you possess the specialized experience and analytical rigor we are looking for, we encourage you to submit your application and take the next step in your federal career.

Why This Economist Job Matters

Shape the future of the U.S. economy as a technical expert with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We are seeking a dedicated Economist to drive critical data initiatives within our San Francisco Regional Office.

Economist Job Overview

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the U.S. economy. We are looking for a highly skilled Economist at the GS-13 level to join our Industrial Price programs. In this role, you will act as a regional technical expert, overseeing complex data collection, managing critical industry relationships, and ensuring the integrity of essential economic data that supports public and private decision-making.

Requirements for Economist

Must meet basic education requirements: Degree in economics, including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
Combination of education and experience equivalent to an economics major.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in federal service.
Ability to demonstrate a thorough understanding of economic principles and theories.
Proficiency in analyzing price structures, economic trends, and data collection procedures.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a background investigation for suitability and fitness.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Economist

Proven track record of managing high-level corporate or government stakeholder relationships.
Strong negotiation skills to maximize participation from complex industry partners.
Experience with federal confidentiality and security protocols regarding sensitive data.
Expertise in adapting to rapidly changing market conditions and economic indicators.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
✓Life and long-term care insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Economist Job

Create a profile on USAJobs and upload your resume (limited to two pages).
Submit your initial application through USAJobs, including all required supporting documents.
Complete the secondary application process through the Department of Labor (DOL) portal.
Answer all vacancy-specific questions and upload unofficial transcripts if using education to qualify.
Monitor your email for a unique link to the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments and complete them within the specified timeframe.
Certify and submit your final application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly lists months, years, and average hours worked per week for each position.
Verify that your resume directly supports your responses to the competency-based questions.
Keep your resume strictly to the two-page limit to avoid automatic disqualification.
Check your application status regularly via the Talent Acquisition System (TAS) dashboard.
Complete the USA Hire assessment as soon as possible, allowing for at least two hours of uninterrupted time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a fully remote position. The selected candidate will be required to report to the assigned DOL office location regularly, though telework is available in accordance with agency policy.

What is the page limit for the resume?

In accordance with federal merit hiring plans, your resume must be limited to two pages. Applications exceeding this limit will be deemed ineligible.

Are there specific education requirements for this economist role?

Yes. Applicants must possess a degree in economics containing at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.

What is the closing date for this announcement?

*A: The deadline is July 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.*

Can I submit a cover letter?

*A: While not mandatory, you may submit a cover letter to highlight your experience, though it will not be used to verify your qualifications.*

Job from Bureau Of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, serves as the primary fact-finding agency for the federal government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. We measure labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes to provide the public, businesses, and policymakers with the data they need to make informed decisions. Working here means contributing to a mission of transparency, safety, and fairness for the American workforce.