Development Economist
50AI USED FOR50%moving to88%
THE DOOR, NOWC
THE DOOR, 20 YRSE
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £36,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
Skip to main content
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ECONOMICS →
Development Economist
Development economists study how countries and communities can build stronger economies and reduce poverty. They use data and analysis to design policies that help people have better jobs, education and living standards.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
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 Development EconomistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in data collection and analysis, support senior economists in research projects, and gain exposure to various aspects of development economics.£30,000 - £36,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Development EconomistAt this stage, you will lead smaller projects, conduct independent research, and collaborate with stakeholders to develop and evaluate economic policies.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Development EconomistIn a senior role, you will oversee large-scale projects, mentor junior staff, and influence policy at a national or international level, driving significant economic change.£70,000+
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, 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 →
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.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
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