Economist

Alternative titles for this job include

Economists advise government departments, businesses, banks and other organisations on economic matters.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an economist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll need a degree in economics or a related subject, like:

  • statistics
  • mathematics
  • business studies
  • finance and accounting

Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate master's degree in economics.

Your university course should include both macro and microeconomics.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths or economics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start a Professional Economist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, or a Senior Professional Economist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship to get into this career.

Employers set their own entry requirements for an apprenticeship, which are likely to include maths at GCSE and A level. They may ask for a first degree in economics, or a similar subject, to start the Level 7 apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an economic research officer or analyst in the private sector and work your way up.

Other Routes

You could apply for a place on the Government Economic Service Fast Stream programme, starting out as an assistant economist.

You'll need a degree in economics or a combined degree, with at least 50% economics. A postgraduate award in economics may be acceptable.

Real career story

Find out how James became an assistant economist.

You can learn about James’s career journey on the Analysis Function website.

Economics degree 

“I achieved my undergraduate economics degree but after I graduated, I was unsure what I wanted to do for a career. I liked economics but I knew I did not want to work in finance, which was the main path you were directed to go down after university.”

Customer service and social media role 

“I started working in the private sector for the AQA exam board working in social media and giving advice in a customer service role.” 

Joined the Civil Service

“I joined HMRC in 2019 as I liked the idea of working in the Civil Service. I joined as a compliance case worker. I enjoyed the job and the culture of the Civil Service so I decided to look at opportunities to advance my career through the Fast Stream.” 

Assistant economist 

“After a few attempts, I got a place on the Government Economics Service Fast Stream as an assistant economist. My first Fast Stream post was as a score card analyst and my second post was in the central co-ordination team.” 

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can find professional development training and networking opportunities with the Royal Economic Society and The Society of Professional Economists.

Further information

You'll find advice about working as an economist at Discover Economics.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • excellent written communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an economist, you could:

  • research information and analyse statistics
  • create models to forecast economic developments
  • advise on the potential economic impact of policies and commercial decisions
  • monitor past and present economic issues and trends
  • write reports and present findings

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a university.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a senior economic adviser in a government department or financial institution
  • work for an economic policy unit
  • write for economic journals
  • teach in higher education
  • specialise, for example in environmental economics

You could also become a self-employed freelance consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an economist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Economics & Business Studies

  • Provider: DOVER GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Dover

Economics

  • Provider: ALLERTON GRANGE SCHOOL
  • Start date: 03 September 2024
  • Location: Leeds

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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