DOL Posts Economist Jobs, Even as Federal Workforce Shrinks

A job posting released last week by the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration advertises multiple economist positions in Washington. The roles would support analysis of retirement and health benefit systems, including regulatory policy and enforcement.

The hiring push comes amid sweeping reductions across the federal workforce. In 2025 alone, the government shed nearly 238,000 workers, a 10.3% decline from 2024,  according to a Pew Research analysis of data from the federal Office of Personnel Management.

The DOL has not been spared. Its workforce fell by roughly 14% in 2025, reflecting reductions seen across most major agencies, according to Pew. Within EBSA, about 200 employees—more than 20% of its staff—departed last year through resignations and retirements tied to funding shortfalls and buyout programs. EBSA requested a slimmer budget and funding to support fewer employees last year.

The agency oversees roughly $14 trillion in retirement and health plan assets and enforces laws affecting millions of workers. But staffing losses have already strained operations, increasing workloads for investigators and limiting services such as guidance and enforcement.

The new economist roles are being filled under “direct hire” authority, allowing officials to accelerate recruitment for hard-to-fill positions without traditional ranking procedures.

Administration officials have defended staffing cuts as part of a broader effort to streamline government and improve efficiency. Critics warn that the rapid contraction has reduced agencies’ efforts and abilities to fulfill their goals.

The DOL did not respond to a request for comment.