Economicsat University of California-Riverside
Graduates earn $37,149/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $668K; scenarios range from $586K to $688K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC Riverside
The earnings data for UCR Economics reflects the unique regional labor market of the Inland Empire. Unlike coastal California, the local economy offers fewer high-paying finance, consulting, or tech roles that typically drive high national averages for economics majors. Many graduates initially find opportunities in local government, regional businesses, or non-profits, where starting salaries align with the area's economic structure. The program's broad analytical foundation prepares you for diverse roles, but direct pipelines to the highest-earning sectors might require more proactive networking. The "Very High" AI risk also highlights the susceptibility of certain analytical and data entry roles common in the region to automation. To maximize your earning potential, focus heavily on quantitative skills, seek out internships with larger firms even if outside the immediate area, or consider pursuing a master's degree to specialize further.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UC Riverside's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How UC Riverside stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC Riverside
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC Riverside, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at UC Riverside
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of California-Riverside?
This program scores 56/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Economics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $585,959 in decade earnings vs $688,226 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from University of California-Riverside?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.