How to become an economist, economic policy researcher or analyst
Official title: Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
Also called: Economist, Tax economist, Trade analyst, Farm economist, Price economist, Trade economist, Economic advisor, Economic analyst, Energy economist, Forest economist, Health economist, Labour economist
Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts conduct research, monitor data, analyze information and prepare reports and plans to resolve economic and business problems and develop models to analyze, explain and forecast economic behaviour and patterns. They advise on matters such as finance, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, agricultural and natural resource commodities and labour and industrial markets. They are employed by government departments and agencies and throughout the private sector in associations, unions, research organizations, banks and investment firms.
Main tasks
- Conduct research and develop models to analyze, explain and forecast economic behaviour and patterns, and devise methods for collection and analysis of data
- Forecast production and consumption of specific products and services based on records of past production and consumption and general economic and industry-specific conditions
- Prepare forecasts of income and expenditure, interest rates and exchange rates
- Analyze factors which determine economic growth and advise government agencies on policies to increase economic activities
- Analyze factors which determine labour force participation, employment, wages, unemployment and other labour market outcomes
- Study mathematical formulae and statistical techniques and apply them to the testing and quantifying of economic theories and the solution of economic problems
- Study the nature of money, credit and the operation of banks and other financial institutions to develop monetary policies and forecasts of financial activity
- Monitor economic data to assess the effectiveness, and advise on the appropriateness, of monetary and fiscal policies
How to become one
A master's degree in economics or in a related discipline such as business administration or statistics is usually required. A doctorate in economics may be required.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $93,756 a year The middle half earn $78,215 to $119,067.
- About 20,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 22,300 are projected by 2033. (+10.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
- Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an economist, economic policy researcher or analyst?
A master's degree in economics or in a related discipline such as business administration or statistics is usually required. A doctorate in economics may be required.
How much does an economist, economic policy researcher or analyst earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $93,756 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $78,215 to $119,067.
Is an economist, economic policy researcher or analyst a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 20,100 to about 22,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an economist, economic policy researcher or analyst?
Usually. 86% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03