Economist

Alternative titles for this job include

Economists advise government departments, businesses, banks and other organisations about the economy.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£75,000 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

The following degree apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • Level 6 Professional economist
  • Level 7 Senior professional economist

For entry to the Level 7 post graduate degree apprenticeship, you would usually already have an undergraduate degree in economics or have completed the Level 6 Professional economist 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.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You'll find more advice about working as an economist in the public sector through the Government Economic Service.

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 competently

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your work will vary depending on whether you're advising government or the business sector. You could:

  • research information from computer databases, websites, journals and newspapers
  • monitor past and present economic issues and trends
  • create mathematical models to predict future economic developments
  • analyse statistics
  • write reports and present findings
  • examine the effectiveness of current policies
  • advise on the potential economic impact of policies and ideas
  • undertake teaching and academic research

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 progress to senior levels or 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

Business Studies

  • Provider: TURTON SCHOOL
  • Start date: 10 September 2023
  • Location: Bolton

A-Level Business Studies

  • Provider: POOLE HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Poole

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.