Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Postsecondary economics teachers spend their days training and teaching others, presenting complex theories, and leading classroom discussions. To prepare for lectures, they gather information, analyze data, and interpret its meaning for their students. They must think creatively to design coursework and use computers to organize, plan, and prioritize their teaching schedules.

Success in this role requires strong speaking, active listening, and instructing skills. Teachers must possess deep knowledge of economics, accounting, mathematics, and education. Because their work is highly social, they rely on strong reading comprehension and writing to evaluate student work and publish research. These professionals typically show high intellectual curiosity, dependability, and achievement orientation, allowing them to solve complex problems and stay updated on economic trends.

Entering this career typically requires a doctoral or professional degree, as most positions demand extensive preparation. Prospective teachers usually earn graduate degrees, such as a master's degree or a PhD.

Students preparing for this field often major in economics, mathematical economics, or business and managerial economics. Other relevant majors include political science and government, agricultural business and management, environmental and natural resources management and policy, philosophy, politics, and economics, or pharmacy administration. While not mandatory for all college classrooms, the LIUNA Instructor Certification is a related credential in the training field.

In 2025, the median annual pay for postsecondary economics teachers was $123,920. Earnings vary based on experience and institution, with the lowest 10% earning less than $64,060 and the highest 10% earning more than $224,200.

There are 11,560 people employed in this profession. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.4%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in 1,000 job openings each year.