economist
Role lens
Are you fascinated by how economies function and enjoy analyzing data to predict future trends? As an economist, you’ll use your analytical skills to advise organizations and shape impactful decisions, contributing to a deeper understanding of financial landscapes.
Economists are analytical thinkers who research and develop economic theories, applying them to real-world situations. Your days might involve studying economic trends, analyzing statistical data, and building mathematical models to forecast outcomes. You’ll work closely with companies, governments, and institutions, providing expert advice on a wide range of topics from product feasibility to tax policies.
- • Conducting economic research and developing theoretical models.
- • Analyzing statistical data and identifying trends to inform decision-making.
- • Advising businesses and governments on issues such as product development, market entry, and policy implementation.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social and cultural professionals — 186 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Italy, Netherlands.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could economist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement/Effort?
Future Outlook for economist
The outlook for economist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could economist change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could economist change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- analyse economic trends
- manage open publications
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- provide cost benefit analysis reports
- apply for research funding
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Financial Services
A typical day as a economist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday manage intellectual property rights
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate open source software
15 15:30 · Late afternoon analyse economic trends
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply scientific methods
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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commercial law
The legal regulations that govern a specific commercial activity.
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mathematical economics
The interdisciplinary field between mathematical methods and economics that deals with using math principles to contruct models for economic theory where conclusions can be drawn following a mathematical logic.
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political economy
The field that combines political and economic factors in the analysis of modern societies. It focuses on factors such as production and trade and their relations with the law and the government.
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business analytics
The disciplines and technologies for solving business problems through employing quantitative methods such as data analysis and statistical models.
- business management principles
- economics
- empirical analysis
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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conduct quantitative research
Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
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apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does economist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational background is typically required to become an economist?
- A strong foundation in mathematics and statistics is essential. Most economist roles require a bachelor's degree in economics, finance, or a related field. Advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate, are often necessary for research-focused positions or leadership roles.
- How does an economist’s work contribute to business decisions?
- Economists provide data-driven insights that help businesses make informed choices. For example, they might analyze market trends to determine the viability of a new product, assess the impact of different pricing strategies, or advise on optimal investment decisions.
- What are some of the key skills needed to succeed as an economist, beyond a strong understanding of economic theory?
- Beyond theoretical knowledge, strong analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial. Effective communication is also vital, as you’ll need to clearly explain complex economic concepts to diverse audiences. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, along with attention to detail, are also important.
- Economist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 10 of the 12 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece and 6 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Economist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $115,440 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $70,750 to $167,590. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.
- Economist — is it a regulated profession?
- It is listed as a regulated profession in 3 European countries: Spain, Portugal, Greece. The lowest qualification level required among them is EQF 6. Where a profession is regulated, a qualification earned elsewhere has to be formally recognised before you can practise. Source: EU Regulated Professions Database.