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Economic Researcher

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.

Economic Researcher

50

Economics

AI IMPACT
AI CAN DO50%moving to88%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
This work is being absorbed by AI
AI already does much of this work and nothing structurally requires a human: no licence, no physical task, no relationship at the core. Expect fewer people in higher-judgment roles: 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+

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.

Careermash

Careermash: navigate your career path with real data. Explore career profiles, salary benchmarks, AI impact forecasts, and the qualifications you need to get there.

AI EXPOSURE = the share of a job's day-to-day tasks AI can already do today, from the same exposure engine used across this site (Anthropic labour market research, 2026, observed real-world AI usage by occupation). Higher means more exposed. It is a measurement of now, not a prediction. THE DOOR = how hard the job is to get into, grade A (easy) to E (extremely hard), from each career's published forecast (OpenAI, "The AI Jobs Transition Framework", Richmond 2026, CC BY 4.0). A card marked MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIED has a real exposure score but no entry yet in our moat register, so we make no claim about what structurally protects it. Scorecard grades and verdicts are Careermash editorial judgment: we show forecasts as forecasts and own our conclusions. Salary and pathway figures are each career's own published profile. Careermash is a service provided by What School Ltd.

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