Economist, GS-0110

About this role

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is hiring an Economist for its Chicago Regional Office, at the GS-07 level with promotion potential to GS-12. You will plan, schedule, and conduct data collection assignments using economic and statistical techniques, working with businesses to gather the survey data behind the nation’s labor market statistics. The role involves evaluating collected data for reliability, following up with respondents, and recommending improvements to survey methods. Applicants need a degree in economics or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and the announcement is open through November 12, 2026.

This listing sits in our Government Jobs section and was posted on November 04, 2026. The role is based on site in Chicago, IL, so it suits candidates within commuting distance. On this page you will find the responsibilities, the requirements the employer is screening for, the benefits on offer, and a step-by-step route to submit your application.

Job snapshot

What you will do day to day

Based on the employer's posting, a typical week in this position at U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics would centre on the following duties:

• Plan, schedule, and conduct data collection assignments using economic techniques
• Contact businesses to gather survey data by visits, video, phone, and email
• Evaluate collected data for reliability, comparability, and reasonableness
• Follow up with respondents to ensure accurate and timely survey results
• Recommend improvements to survey methods, materials, and plans

What you will need

• U.S. citizenship and a minimum age of 16
• A degree in economics with at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 in statistics, accounting, or calculus, or an equivalent combination
• For GS-07, 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-05 level, or one year of graduate education, or superior academic achievement
• A valid driver’s license is required
• Must be able to obtain the necessary security clearance

This role suits a candidate who is comfortable with formal processes, documentation, and eligibility rules, and who values long-term stability and public service.

Pay and benefits

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has not published a fixed salary range in this listing, which is common for roles where pay is set by experience, grade, or location. Check the source listing for the current pay details, and compare the benefits below when judging the overall package.

Benefits listed by the employer

• Federal salary at the GS-07 level with promotion potential to GS-12
• Federal health insurance, retirement, and paid leave benefits
• Training and development assignments at higher levels
• Stable public-sector career measuring the U.S. labor market
• Work in the Chicago Regional Office of the Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to apply

1. Read the requirements above carefully and check you meet the essentials — US employers screen against them closely.
2. Update your résumé so the skills named in this listing are easy to find, using the same wording where it honestly matches your experience.
3. Click the Apply button on this page. It takes you to the source listing (MIT Career Advising & Professional Development), where the original posting is linked — always confirm the role, pay and deadline there before applying.
4. Complete every field of the application on the source listing and double-check your contact details before submitting.
5. Keep a note of the posting date and job title so you can follow up politely if you have not heard back within two weeks.

Tips to strengthen your application

• Apply well before the closing date — government portals rarely grant extensions.
• Answer every questionnaire item and align your résumé wording with the announcement.
• Check citizenship, clearance, and education requirements before investing time.
• Federal résumés can be longer than private-sector ones; include hours, grades, and duties in detail.

Frequently asked questions

Need help applying? Read our guide: Job Interview Preparation: A Practical Guide — written for government jobs applicants in the USA.

Related jobs you may like

Browse more: Government Jobs