Economist
50AI EXPOSURE TODAY50
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST88%
NOT A FORECAST88%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYC
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
Skip to main content
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ECONOMICS →
Economist
Economists play a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies that influence the economic landscape of the UK and beyond. By analyzing data and trends, they provide insights that drive decision-making in both public and private sectors, making their work vital for sustainable growth and stability.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI exposure is high for this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Enter as the person directing the tools, not competing with them.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Economic ResearcherIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior researchers in data collection and analysis, gaining hands-on experience in economic research methodologies.£28,000 - £34,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Economic ResearcherAs a mid-level researcher, you will lead specific projects, conduct independent research, and present findings to stakeholders, contributing significantly to policy discussions.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Economic Researcher/Head of ResearchIn this peak career stage, you will oversee research teams, drive strategic initiatives, and influence economic policy at a national or international level.£80,000+
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Economics and FinanceLoughborough University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£43,000 median
🎓Economics and Data ScienceUniversity of Bristol · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£42,000 median
🎓Economics and Finance with a Year in IndustryThe University of Kent · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Business Economics/MathematicsUniversity of Glasgow · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£34,500 median
🎓Economics with a Year AbroadThe University of East Anglia · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£34,000 median
All Economics courses as cards →
Real apprenticeship standards
Live UK apprenticeship standards that lead into this career, from the Institute for Apprenticeships register.
L6Professional economist (integrated degree)42 months typicalnot published
L7Senior professional economist (integrated degree)24 months typicalnot published
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Economics and FinanceLoughborough University · DegreeEconomics and Data ScienceUniversity of Bristol · DegreeEconomics and Finance with a Year in IndustryThe University of Kent · DegreeEconomicsLoughborough University · DegreeBusiness Economics/MathematicsUniversity of Glasgow · DegreeEconomics with a Year AbroadThe University of East Anglia · Degree