How to become an Economist

Also called: Economic Analyst, Economic Consultant

Researches and analyses the production and distribution of goods and services, and people's spending and financial behaviour. Uses this information to predict trends, develop theories, and provide advice to governments and organisations on economic policy matters.

Main tasks

• Analyses relationships between economic variables, and studies the effects of government fiscal and monetary policies, expenditure, taxation and other budgetary policies on the economy and the community
• Researches, analyses and assesses the effects of labour market programs and industry policies and programs on economic growth, welfare, education and training
• Investigates international and national economies and markets, and particular features such as industries, regions and socioeconomic groups
• Studies workplace issues such as enterprise bargaining and wage fixation, and the effect of workplace policies on productivity and economic growth
• Analyses trends and advises on economic issues such as taxation levels, prices, employment and unemployment, imports and exports, and interest and exchange rates
• Forecasts change in the economic environment for short-term budgeting, long-term planning, and investment evaluation
• Formulates recommendations, policies and plans for the economy, corporate strategies and investment
• Monitors economic data to assess and advise on the effectiveness and suitability of monetary and fiscal policies

Ways in

• University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Business (BSB60120); Diploma of Business (BSB50120); Diploma of Financial Markets (FNS51022)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $148,824 a year
• About 4,400 people work in this job group now, and about 5,600 are projected by 2035. (+26%)
• Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Economist?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Advanced Diploma of Business; Diploma of Business.

How much does an Economist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $148,824 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Economist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 26% by 2035, from about 4,400 to about 5,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Economist?

Usually. 96% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Economist?

Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04