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Job outlook for forecasting analysts in the United States
Forecasting analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected forecasting analyst job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for forecasting analysts are projected over the next decade.
Forecasting analyst salaries have increased 5% for forecasting analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,372 forecasting analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 31,811 active forecasting analyst job openings in the US.
The average forecasting analyst salary is $69,708.
Are forecasting analyst jobs in demand?
Forecasting analyst job and salary trends over time
Forecasting analyst jobs over time
Forecasting analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,372 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,176 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,105 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 4,777 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,484 | 0.00% |
Average forecasting analyst salary over time
Forecasting analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $69,708 | $33.51 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $67,569 | $32.48 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $66,859 | $32.14 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $66,976 | $32.20 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $66,266 | $31.86 | +0.7% |
Forecasting analyst jobs by state
Most common states for forecasting analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 209 | 30% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 593 | 10% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 797 | 9% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 585 | 9% |
| 5 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 865 | 7% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 417 | 7% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 71 | 7% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 63 | 7% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 598 | 6% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 342 | 6% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 175 | 6% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 80 | 6% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 46 | 6% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 42 | 6% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 36 | 6% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,855 | 5% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 555 | 5% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 431 | 5% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 226 | 5% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 188 | 5% |
Most common cities for forecasting analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn | 1 | 4% | $72,519 |
| 2 | Hanover Park | 1 | 3% | $67,726 |
| 3 | Ithaca | 1 | 3% | $72,683 |
| 4 | Marlborough | 1 | 3% | $67,112 |
| 5 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $67,108 |
| 6 | Cedar Rapids | 1 | 1% | $55,432 |
| 7 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $66,120 |
| 8 | Syracuse | 1 | 1% | $72,523 |
| 9 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $82,054 |
| 10 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $67,152 |
| 11 | Cincinnati | 1 | 0% | $67,458 |
| 12 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $55,621 |
| 13 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $71,397 |
Forecasting Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of forecasting analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of Washington
University of Southern Maine
Western Kentucky University
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Drexel University
Molloy College
University of Wyoming
University of Iowa
San Francisco State University
North Carolina State University
Wake Forest University
Michigan State University
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Obviously we are seeing a tremendous increase in AI and other digital technologies. These will become a more crucial skill set for many careers going forward. But I wouldn't downplay the role of what are traditionally seen as soft skills like empathy, communications, and judgment. Not only can these distinguish you from robots but from your human competitors as well.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Reshad Osmani PhD: As a new graduate starting your career, I recommend staying curious, being open to learning from others, seeking feedback, building networks, and being proactive in tackling challenges. Keep developing your analytical skills, stay adaptable, and remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Learning by doing should be your number one priority.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Reshad Osmani PhD: In the next 3-5 years, skills like data analysis, digital literacy, adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are likely to become even more important across various fields due to the increasing influence of technology, automation, and remote work trends. Additionally, skills related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability may also gain prominence.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Marilyn Krogh: Have a strong undergraduate portfolio, do an internship before graduation, and be willing to 'go an extra mile' for your employer.
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Melissa Zimdars: To remember that you're going to learn a lot on the job and that failure is part of the learning process. It's okay to ask questions and to not know things, but you must be willing to take feedback, adjust, and grow.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Melissa Zimdars: Recognize that your first career opportunity won't be your last. If the job you land after college does not have opportunities for growth or advancement, it's imperative that you keep an eye out for them elsewhere as you continue to gain experience in your field.
Fawen Zhang PhD
Professor of AudiologyUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Victor Menaldo: Learn, learn and learn some more. Adopt a growth mindset where you never stop learning. Gain economic literacy and financial literacy and historical literacy and statistical literacy. This will allow you to complement AI: ask it good questions, contextualize and evaluate its answers, and ask good follow up questions.
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Victor Menaldo: Interacting with AI and knowing how to best exploit it to get the most out of it: increase productivity and value added in whatever field one is in.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Victor Menaldo: Develop oral communication skills that allow you to speak in an articulate manner and organize your thoughts to signal your competence, knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning and improving.
Tove Rasmussen
LecturerUniversity of Southern Maine
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen believes that the skills that will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years are...
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Rich PhD: Think about the types of jobs that interest you and the skills necessary for those jobs early. So many students start thinking about post-graduation life spring their senior year, when it should be an incremental process much earlier. Another pieces of advice would be to talk to faculty and alum about your interests, find internship or research opportunities when possible, and try to figure out early your strengths and weaknesses. It's easy for students, especially high performing ones, to not fully consider what their weaknesses are. I encourage students to jot down what they see as their skills too and to share them with others. It helps them to identify what's a common skill versus something that might make them stick out.
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.
ProfessorJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: Being able to negotiate a salary is also a skill that students need to learn and one that is rarely taught in college. Students need to be able to ask for more than they are offered, but also take jobs at entry levels, prove themselves and then ask for an increase in pay six months into the job after they have shown that they are doing the work and achieving their goals.
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: Look for a unionized job, preferably in a large institution where there is room for job growth. For students trained in linguistics, there are also often opportunities to work in tech, so this might be something to explore.
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: I would advise graduates to be open to considering jobs in lots of different fields. The skills acquired through their major- such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing- are ones that transfer well to a variety of situations.
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Dr. Paige Novak P.E. (Minnesota), BCEE: Ask questions, stay curious and open minded, take opportunities to learn and develop new skills.
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Mark Stehr PhD: Having skill in programming, data manipulation, prediction, and causal inference will set you apart from many other economics majors.
Develop good people skills. Moving into higher level roles as your career progresses requires working with, motivating, and managing professional relationships.
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mark Stehr PhD: At the start of your career, it's very important to land a role where you learn a lot and find good mentors. The additional skills will pay dividends as your career progresses.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Rosino PhD: One thing that I always emphasize to students is to confidently craft your story when applying for jobs and preparing materials. While it may feel uncomfortable to come off as confident, it is important not to downplay your skills and experience. So, my advice is to think deeply about why you would be a good fit for each job and to highlight the concrete skills and experiences you have gained - especially in terms of topical background, technical acumen with specific software or methodologies or research/writing skills. Secondly, I suggest looking at which fields are in high demand. While it is not always possible because people may have geographic constraints, considering as many wide opportunities in all kinds of places can also be beneficial. Two other pieces of advice which may be more relevant to those a bit further on would be to negotiate when you are offered a mid-level or professional job and to ask for benefits and salary and to consider going back to gain additional education such as a Master's degree to qualify for higher-paying and more prestigious jobs.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Mary Rodena-Krasan Ph.D.: A degree in German Studies is extraordinarily flexible, giving you a skill set that makes you suitable to a variety of fields. Be open to every opportunity and never underestimate the skill sets learning a new language has afforded you - cross-cultural competence, interlinguistic technological adeptness, problem solving, information analysis, and critical thinking. Employers want someone they don't have to hand-hold. Studying a foreign language requires a lot of self-initiative - apply that to every assignment at the job and don't be afraid to suggest approaches! Your ability to undertake something new and be successful has already been proven by your German studies degree!
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lars Kotthoff: Anything and everything related to AI, but in particular being able to cut through the hype and being able to assess new technologies realistically.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Kayla Jackson PhD: Supplemental opportunities that allow you to continue or grow your own skills in program evaluation can help you maximize your earning potential. For example, taking on extra teaching or consulting opportunities is wonderful for continuing your professional growth and can be a stepping stone to job advancement.
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Shea Ph.D.: Data analytics and visualization (already important but will likely increase)
Effective use of AI technologies
Ability to develop and evaluate meaningful and robust programs and policies that center equity in ways that recognize intersectionality and multiple dimensions of equity
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jeffery Braden PhD: The things most likely to become more important are the things machines are least likely to do. That means having clear processes to identify complex problems (especially social and interpersonal), generate alternate responses, evaluate those responses, choose your response, and consider how well it worked. Again, critical thinking, perspective taking, verbal and quantitative reasoning, conflict resolution, and evaluating are going to set you apart from AI.
What general advice would you give to a Forecasting Analyst?
Dr. Mark Evans: Add value beyond what you are asked to do. Take ownership of your work. Volunteer for the most difficult jobs and clients.
What Forecasting Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mark Evans: Don't stop learning. Treat your first job like more graduate school. Learn everything you can.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Forecasting Analysts?
Kelly Lynch: Absolutely - both positive and negative and both long-term and short-term impacts. For example, a negative is that there are fewer companies offering full-time opportunities than before the pandemic, so that limits options for students, for now. That is a short-term negative impact. Longer-term and more positive for Supply Chain Management graduates is that there is significantly more awareness in companies about what supply chains are and how not understanding your supply chains puts your company at risk in so may ways. Companies need to attract talent that helps them to close gaps and identify opportunities to optimize their supply chains on many fronts. Supply chains and the entities that companies make strategic components of their supply chains and interact with them proactively will gain competitive advantage - not only in terms of cost efficiency, but in new product innovation, speed-to-market, sustainability, etc.
What's a good job out of college for Forecasting Analysts?
Kelly Lynch: A good job is any position or opportunity that makes you - a recent graduate - happy. Some students are motivated by some factors and other students motivated by others. For example, it could be compensation, it could be geographic location, it could be upward mobility, it could be rotational programs, it could be finding an employer that aligns with your personal beliefs and values - or you may not want to go to a company - perhaps you want to start your own company, or go to law school, or ....?
What will help Forecasting Analysts increase their earning potential?
Kelly Lynch: So many things:
-Good/exceptional grades
-Getting involved on campus - student clubs, becoming a mentor or tutor
-Taking leadership positions in clubs, fraternities, sororities, etc.
-Take advantage of experiential opportunities - internships, micro-internships, co-ops, on-campus employment, company tours and information sessions
-Community service - what can you do to make a difference in your "college town" and surrounding community - volunteer!
-Engage with faculty - classroom assistant, research assistant - help to advance knowledge among your peers
-Be confident in yourself
-Be organized - manage your time efficiently and you will do fine