Economist

An economist collects and analyses economic data to understand patterns in markets, industries, and public policy. The work involves building quantitative models, interpreting statistical results, and translating complex findings into clear written advice. Economists may focus on areas such as labour markets, trade, monetary policy, public finance, or industry regulation. Some work on long-range forecasting, while others concentrate on evaluating specific policies or business conditions. The role sits at the intersection of data analysis, research, and strategic advice.

A typical day could include pulling together datasets from sources such as the ABS or Reserve Bank of Australia, running regression models or scenario analyses, and drafting briefing notes or reports for senior staff. There may be meetings with policy teams, clients, or other analysts to discuss findings. Economists often review published research to stay across current thinking, and they may be asked to present results to non-specialist audiences. Deadlines tied to budget cycles or policy consultations can shape the pace of the work.

Most economists hold at least a bachelor degree in economics, and many roles, particularly in government or research, favour a master's degree or higher (JSA Occupation Profile). A strong grounding in quantitative methods, statistics, and economic theory is generally expected. For those considering further study, course options can be explored at yourcareer.gov.au or through the skills reform information at dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe.

Breaking into economics as a career changer is genuinely difficult. The occupation is small, and most entry points expect formal qualifications in economics or a closely related discipline. A background in accounting, statistics, or public policy may provide some transferable skills, but a postgraduate qualification is often needed to be considered competitive. The work itself can be demanding: models need to be technically sound, written outputs need to be precise, and advice is frequently scrutinised by senior decision-makers. People who move into this field from other areas often find the adjustment to rigorous quantitative methods the steepest part of the transition.

In practice, federal and state government agencies, central banks, and large consulting firms tend to concentrate in capital cities.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2243, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Advise on economic developmentcore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Policy Interpretationcore
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboardscore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Reporting and Analyticscore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Active Listening
• Advise on legislative acts
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Negotiation
• Process Documentation
• Process Improvement Identification
• Risk Identification
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Prioritisation

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

What Economist workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026