Launch Your Career as an Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Are you ready to influence the economic heartbeat of the nation? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is currently hiring for an Economist position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to critical datasets like the Producer Price Index. This role provides the perfect balance of fieldwork, research, and data analysis in a supportive federal environment.
About the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, serves as the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor economics and statistics. The agency is dedicated to providing objective, timely, and accurate data on labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes. Working here means contributing to a mission that supports economic decision-making across the entire country.
Key Job Responsibilities
As an Economist, your primary duties involve more than just crunching numbers. You will:
- Coordinate and conduct data collection from diverse business establishments.
- Perform high-level internet research on industries and companies.
- Conduct professional interviews with company officials to obtain accurate data.
- Evaluate and refine collected information to ensure statistical reliability.
- Suggest improvements for survey methods and data collection strategies.
Comparison of Career Paths
| Feature | GS-09 Entry Level | GS-12 Target Level |
|---|---|---|
| Role Complexity | Developmental | Full Performance |
| Independence | High Supervision | Low Supervision |
| Salary Potential | $69,373 - $100,315 | Higher GS Scale |
| Focus | Data Collection | Strategic Analysis |
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this role, you must meet basic educational and experience requirements:
- Education: You must hold a degree in economics with at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. A combination of education and experience is also acceptable.
- Experience: Applicants should demonstrate at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-07) or equivalent.
- Documentation: You must submit a current resume and, if qualifying based on education, unofficial transcripts.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $69,373 to $100,315 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Generous leave accrual policies.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Over-length resumes will disqualify you.
- Detail Your Work: Ensure you include dates (month/year) and average hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Assessments: Be prepared to dedicate two hours to the USA Hire assessments after your initial application submission.
This Economist position is an ideal gateway into the federal sector for those who thrive on rigorous data analysis and professional communication. By joining the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you are choosing a career that values integrity, precision, and public service. Ensure your application is complete by the closing date to take your first step toward this rewarding career.
Why This Economist Job Matters
Shape the future of the U.S. economy by joining the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a professional Economist in one of our key Western hubs.
Economist Job Overview
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is seeking a motivated professional to join the Division of Price Programs in the San Francisco Regional Office. As an Economist, you will play a critical role in gathering and evaluating vital economic data that informs public and private sector decision-making. You will engage directly with business leaders to collect data for the Producer Price Index (PPI) and Import/Export Price Indexes (MXP). This role is an excellent opportunity for those looking to build a federal career, with clear pathways for professional development and advancement within the Department of Labor.
Requirements for Economist
- 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 a major in economics.
- 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
- Must be able to provide proof of citizenship if selected.
- Successful completion of a background investigation.
- Resume limited to a maximum of two pages per new federal guidelines.
Preferred Qualifications for Economist
- Demonstrated ability to perform complex economic analysis.
- Experience in data collection from private or public establishments.
- Proficiency in professional communication and conducting interviews with company officials.
- Advanced graduate education in economics or a closely related field.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Ten paid federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling
- ✓Structured career advancement and training
💡 How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Economist Job
- Create a profile and resume on the USAJOBS platform.
- Complete the initial application on USAJOBS and attach required documents.
- Proceed to the Department of Labor application portal to answer vacancy-specific questions.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments if notified via email.
- Verify all submission requirements are met before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Check for the two-page limit on your resume to remain eligible.
- Review your responses to the online questionnaire against your resume entries for consistency.
- Save your work frequently during the application process to avoid timeouts.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice for required assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely for this position?
This position is not classified as fully remote. While it is telework-eligible, you will be expected to report to the assigned office location regularly based on management policy.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Per the recent federal merit hiring guidance, applications with resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be deemed ineligible for consideration.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, new hires are typically required to serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance, conduct, and alignment with agency goals.