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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ECONOMICS →

Data Economist

Data economists study numbers and statistics to understand how the economy works and what decisions businesses and governments should make. They help people understand what information tells us, and why it matters.

Data Economist

65

Economics

AI IMPACT
AI EXPOSURE TODAY65
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST95%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYC
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

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.

The role

As a Data Economist, you work with big sets of numbers to answer questions about the economy. You gather information from lots of sources, clean it up, and look for patterns that show how things really work - whether that is how people spend money, why some industries grow faster, or whether a new government policy will help people.

Most of your time is spent using computer software to sort and study these large datasets. You build models - which are like experiments on numbers - to test ideas and make predictions. You then explain what you found to people who make decisions, like business leaders or government officials, and make sure they understand what the numbers really mean. You have to stay current with new statistical methods and new sources of data.

Daily responsibilities

  • Collect, clean, and analyze large datasets to extract meaningful economic insights.
  • Develop econometric models to forecast economic trends and assess policy impacts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate data findings into strategic decisions.
  • Present analytical findings and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner.
  • Stay updated on economic theories and data analytics techniques to enhance analytical approaches.
  • Utilize advanced statistical software and programming languages to manipulate data efficiently.
  • Conduct research on current economic conditions and emerging market trends.

Does a degree help here?

A UK degree, particularly in Economics or Data Science, provides candidates with a robust understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of the economy. UK universities are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and strong industry connections, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, many UK institutions offer specialised courses that blend economics with data analytics, perfectly aligning with the needs of this role.