Economist Jobs in the UK

Where economists actually work in the UK, which occupation code applies, the salary a sponsored economist role would need, the analytical skills employers test, and current economist vacancies. Economics graduates in the UK split between roles that carry the title "economist" and the much larger set of analyst jobs that use economics without the name. Genuine economist posts cluster in four places: government departments and regulators, economic consultancies working on competition and regulatory cases, banks and asset managers producing macro research, and research institutes. Each expects you to apply theory to a live question with real data and defend the result. A master's in economics is the norm for consultancy and research posts and useful elsewhere, and applied econometric skill — cleaning messy data and choosing an honest identification strategy — is what separates candidates in interview. International graduates should check nationality and residence requirements early, because a large share of public sector economist posts carry them.

• Official occupation code: SOC 2433 — Actuaries, economists and statisticians.
• Listed as an eligible occupation for the Skilled Worker route. This occupation is currently listed as eligible for the Skilled Worker route. Individual eligibility also depends on factors including the specific job, salary, employer sponsorship and applicable immigration rules.
• Skilled Worker going rate for occupation 2433: £55,100 standard. General salary threshold: £41,700. New entrant (70% column), where eligible: £38,600. Source: GOV.UK, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations.
• Graduate suitability: Moderate. The Government Economic Service is the UK's largest single graduate employer of economists but requires specific right-to-work status for most posts; private sector economic consultancies, banks, regulators and think tanks hire smaller numbers and often prefer a master's.
• Build and estimate econometric models to test how policy, prices or shocks affect behaviour
• Appraise policies and projects using cost-benefit analysis and evaluation methods
• Produce forecasts and scenarios for markets, sectors or the macroeconomy
• Advise on competition cases, regulatory price controls and damages estimation
• Skills employers test: Microeconomic and macroeconomic theory applied to concrete questions, Econometrics: regression, panel data, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences, Cost-benefit analysis and appraisal in line with the Treasury Green Book, Forecasting and scenario modelling, Competition economics: market definition, merger analysis, abuse of dominance.
• Progression: Assistant Economist or Economic Analyst → Economist → Senior Economist or Manager → Principal Economist, Associate Director or Head of Research → Chief Economist, Director or Partner.
• Occupation code 2433 groups economists with actuaries, statisticians and mathematicians. Vacancies are matched here on economist and economic analyst titles only. Financial analysts (2422), data analysts and management consultants without an economics remit are separate occupations and are excluded.
• Official information last checked 2026-09-10. We provide educational guidance and university application support. We do not provide legal, visa, or immigration advice.

Can economists get a UK Skilled Worker visa?

Occupation code 2433 is listed as eligible for the Skilled Worker route, so an economist post at a licensed sponsor can support an application if the salary meets the applicable requirement and the other rules are met. Note that many government economist posts have nationality or residence requirements that sit outside the immigration rules altogether.

What SOC code covers economists?

SOC 2020 code 2433, "Actuaries, economists and statisticians". Economists are explicitly listed among the related job titles for that code.

What salary does an economist need for a Skilled Worker visa?

Normally the higher of the general threshold (£41,700) and the occupation going rate. For code 2433 the published standard going rate is £55,100. A qualifying new entrant may instead be assessed against the 70% column of £38,600, subject to the new-entrant general threshold of £33,400 and all other requirements. A separate transitional rate of £40,700 applies only in specific circumstances. Verify current figures on GOV.UK.

Do I need a master's to work as an economist in the UK?

For consultancy, central bank and research posts, in practice yes — a master's in economics is the typical entry requirement. Some regulator and departmental assistant economist roles accept a strong undergraduate degree with substantial econometrics.

Can international graduates join the Government Economic Service?

Most GES posts are subject to Civil Service nationality rules and often UK residence requirements, which many international graduates will not meet. Check the specific vacancy's eligibility statement before investing time in an application.

Which UK employers hire graduate economists outside government?

Economic consultancies, competition and regulatory practices within larger advisory firms, banks and asset managers, energy and telecoms regulators, and research institutes. Whether any given role is sponsored is decided by the employer.