Economists see 2010 census as a boost

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The 2010 U.S. census will offer the country a slight boost by injecting $2.3 billion into the economy and hiring 1.2 million people, economists said.

"These are real jobs with good solid hourly pay," said Mark Zandi, senior economist for Moody's Economy.com.

The jobs, though temporary, come at a critical time when many economists believe businesses will begin adding jobs in 2010 and further boost the economy, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Thirteen thousand census workers were hired this month, with the rest to hired in late April and early May for door-to-door and administrative work. The average census job is 20 hours a week for six weeks and pays $10 to $25 an hour.

The Census Bureau hired about 140,000 people this year to ensure the government's address lists and maps were current.

"We saw certainly college degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.s, doctors, all kinds of people you wouldn't think would be looking for a temporary part-time position," bureau spokeswoman Lee Ann Morning said.