Great Master's in Economics Jobs

Employment for economists is growing rapidly, with advanced degrees leading to top job prospects and high salaries.
State economists, reporting analysts, and bank statisticians offer diverse roles with substantial responsibilities and attractive salaries.
Careers like strategic financial planners and finance consultants bridge economics and finance, offering competitive salaries and dynamic job opportunities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for economists are expected to increase by 14% over the next eight years. That’s much faster than the average for other occupations. Those professionals with advanced degrees in the field, such as a master’s in economics or applied economics credential, will have the most promising job prospects. If that’s not enough incentive for potential graduate students to consider an economics program, there are plenty of other related positions for those with a master’s in economics.

15 Great Jobs for Master’s in Economics Badge — High Resolution Badge

A Master’s in Economics degree opens up the doors for many types of economics jobs. An MA or MS economics program provides domestic and international students alike with the analytical skills and knowledge of quantitative economics needed to understand economic data, create informative statistics and assist decision-makers. Here are fifteen excellent jobs for students who graduate with a Master’s in Economics.

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Career Spotlight: Economist

Perhaps the most obvious career for someone with a master’s in economics degree is that of an economist. The role of an economist can vary significantly, though, depending on where they work. Economists frequently work in the public sector for local and federal government agencies, though many also work for private corporations—both global and domestic.

Generally speaking, it is the job of an economist to research and analyze how goods and services are bought and sold within an economy. In an economics program, they study market trends and fluctuations over time and make predictions regarding future economic activity. In addition, economists may be called upon to make presentations based on their research and advise executives on the best course of action to ensure profitability or economic stability.

Career opportunities for economists are currently on the rise and growing much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Economists who specialize in research and consulting will have the best job prospects.

The average economist enjoys a six-figure salary, too. The BLS indicates the mean annual wage for these professionals to be over $108,000.

Career Spotlight: State Economist

Individuals with a master’s in economics credential may qualify to take on roles as specific types of economists—state economists. Economists employed by the state will respond to questions and requests from executive management and other government agencies. They will also identify economic projects that will enhance state-level decision-making. They may be responsible for planning and reviewing policy proposals, economic data, and technical analysis. They may also produce revenue forecasts, cost allocation studies, benefit-cost analysis, and fiscal impact statements. State economists will conduct regular economic analyses to support specific public policy and programs. They may serve as the statewide economic advisor for executive staff and administrators. Their original economic analysis may involve economic policy issues, planning documents, investment decisions, strategic direction, and legislative discussions.

According to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), economists employed by the state government make approximately $73,500 per year on average.

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Career Spotlight: Reporting Analyst

Another promising job prospect for a professional with analytical skills who has completed an economics program curriculum is that of a reporting analyst. Reporting analysts are responsible for the creation, modification, and distribution of economic reports. They maintain and deliver daily, weekly, and monthly economic reports to internal stakeholders and management. Their economic reports involve fund analytics, account performance, production time, business intelligence, and performance dashboards. For example, they may collaborate with sales, marketing, and client service teams to identify top assets, minimize financial risks and provide direction for account performance. Reporting analysts often work for banks, finance corporations, stockbrokers, and investment firms. Reporting analysts will handle data management, client reporting requests, and cross-functional areas. According to PayScale.com, these types of analysts make nearly $60,000 per year on average.

Career Spotlight: Bank Statistician

Graduates of a master’s in economics program may also qualify for certain occupations in statistics, including jobs as bank statisticians. Bank statisticians analyze data extracts to identify trends, data points, key indicators, and ideal solutions. They need a firm foundation in financial economics and often work independently with management and business staff. After finishing their graduate studies, they are often responsible for coaching managers in the proper and efficient use of analytical tools and reporting dashboards. They create reports to improve cost, quality, operations, and customer satisfaction levels. Bank statisticians may liaison with finance and accounting teams to resolve problems, strengthen internal controls and make process recommendations. They use practical skills as well as various databases and information systems to research vulnerability and improvement opportunities. They also organize projects that ensure accurate data identification and categorization.

Career opportunities for statisticians are currently experiencing a boon; the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 33% increase in this job market between 2019 and 2029. The Bureau also indicates a handsome salary of over $93,000 for these professionals, on average.

Career Spotlight: Strategic Financial Planner

Finance and economic theory are closely related fields, so it should come as no surprise that economics program graduates are well-prepared for careers as financial planners. This program curriculum readies strategic financial planners work for corporations in different sectors. They create strategic visions and tactical analytics through dashboard data, market summaries and key indicators. They maintain a detailed knowledge of departmental functions, financial operations, workflow areas and data management systems. Strategic financial planners may partner with financial analysts and external vendors to develop new solutions and advanced reporting capabilities. They rely on timely and accurate reports, databases and applications to collect and process data. Strategic financial planners focus on administering procedures, analyses, reports and deliverables.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in the financial planning sector are growing about as fast as average. Pay for these positions can vary by location and employer, but PayScale reports the average wage for financial planners with strategic planning skills to be nearly $70,000 per year.

Career Spotlight: Finance Consultant

Another job in finance that is especially suitable for professionals with a master of economics degree is that of a finance consultant. Finance consultants help their clients manage relationships, exceed financial goals, and maintain creditworthiness. They provide expert financial counsel to clients regarding private banking, personal trust, and personal investments. They may call on potential clients to develop new business, retain relationships and problem solve. Finance consultants give proper risk ratings, maintain client satisfaction, and understand economic theory and industry market trends. They may identify potential high-risk situations, re-underwrite proposals, and analyze current activities to ensure conformity with contractual terms. They must always detect and control the development of unfavorable financial trends.

Jobs for financial consultants are associated with average salaries of just under $70,000, according to PayScale.com.

Career Spotlight: Economic Development Director

Economic development directors have the significant burden of managing a city’s economic health. These professionals are responsible for attracting businesses to the local area, supporting established businesses, and managing the city’s tax policies. They must have a big-picture perspective on the town’s financial health, researching market fluctuations as well as public policy, and responding accordingly.

While the minimum academic qualification for an economic development director is a bachelor’s degree in economics, most of these professionals hold an economics masters degree. The role of an economic development director is not an entry-level position, and it is necessary to have some prior experience in a related role. Graduate studies and job experience in a related field is often encouraged.

Economic development directors make very respectable salaries after completing thier economics programs. According to PayScale, these types of economists make nearly $70,000 per year on average. Positions for economic development directors are limited, though, so employment in this particular job market is highly competitive.

Career Spotlight: Digital Marketing Manager

Marketing and economics are closely related fields, so it’s not all that surprising that some individuals with a knowledge of economic theory become digital marketing managers. Like traditional marketing managers, these professionals create and manage marketing campaigns for businesses big and small. The only difference is that a digital marketing manager handles a company’s online marketing efforts. Their duties may include corporate email campaigns, social media strategies, website optimization, and more. Many digital marketing managers oversee other members of a digital marketing team, meaning they must have management and leadership expertise.

Though an undergraduate degree such as a bachelor’s in economics, marketing, or closely related field is all that’s required for a position as a digital marketing manager, many of these professionals hold advanced credentials, including master’s degrees. Some prior experience working in a digital marketing sub-field is almost always preferred as well.

PayScale.com reports that the average annual wage for digital marketing directors is nearly $100,000, making it one of the most lucrative positions available for those with a master’s degree in economics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these positions are plentiful as well; jobs for marketing managers are currently on the rise, growing faster than the average occupation.

Career Spotlight: Customer Relationship Manager

An important member of a company’s sales team, a customer relationship manager acts as a liaison between the company and its customers or clients. In this role, these types of managers must work to satisfy the customers’ wants and needs while also representing the company’s best interests. Their precise duties may include negotiating costs of goods and services, providing customer service and technical support, planning and executive customer incentive and retention plans, and more.

While some customer relationship managers may hold just a bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, or a related field, a growing number have graduate degrees such as a master’s in economics.

Salaries for relationship managers can vary depending on employment factors such as location, years of experience in the field, and job description. Still, PayScale reports that these sales professionals make nearly $60,000 per year on average.

Career Spotlight: Economics Professor

Positions for economics professors are currently growing faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These economics positions require not only theoretical knowledge of economic principles, but also a grasp of effective instructional techniques. In addition to teaching economics classes, economics professors will join a distinguished faculty tasked with designing curricula, grading assignments, and even contributing to scholarly research in their disciplines.

While positions for university professors require a doctorate in economics, a master’s program will qualify them for positions at community colleges. Some economics professors maintain jobs in the industry while teaching part-time.

According to the BLS, economic professors make approximately $107,000 per year on average. They may make more or less depending on their specific terms of employment, including location, employer, and schedule.

Career Spotlight: Data Scientist

Individuals with theoretical knowledge and skills in both mathematics and technology may find careers as data scientists. These professionals crunch numbers and analyze data on behalf of a company, looking for insights that may positively impact their profit margins and overall success. In addition to collecting data and performing complex calculations, data scientists may also be responsible for preparing reports and delivering presentations to company stakeholders regarding thier data analysis.

The vast majority of data scientists hold at least a master’s degree. These advanced degrees may be in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or of course, economics.

In the age of big data, positions for data scientists are in demand. Jobs in this sector are currently growing much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Jobs in data science are some of the most lucrative available for professionals with a master’s in economics. On average, data scientists make over $96,000 annually, as reported by PayScale.

Career Spotlight: Budget Analyst

Another popular position for professionals who have completed a graduate economic program is that of a budget analyst. These types of analysts use their knowledge of mathematics, economics, and finance to help companies and nonprofit organizations set and maintain an optimal budget. Related tasks may include evaluating budget proposals from company stakeholders, preparing financial reports, and forecasting the company’s future financial needs.

While a bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics or business is usually enough to snag a position as a budget analyst, more companies are hiring applicants who have successfully completed a graduate economics program or other advanced degree. Applicants may be required to demonstrate some related experience and undergo rigorous training before being hired on as a budget analyst.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of budget analysts in the corporate sector is currently growing about as fast as average. These positions are fairly well-paid, too. The average salary for these professionals is just under $79,000, according to the BLS.

Career Spotlight: Actuary

One of the fastest-growing occupations for individuals with a master’s degree in economics is an actuary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that jobs for actuaries will grow by 18% between 2019 and 2029—that’s much faster than average compared to all occupations.

After completing thier degree program, actuaries usually work in the insurance industry. They are responsible for creating and implementing complex statistical models based on data analysis that evaluate the threat of catastrophic events such as fires and natural disasters and the risk of death or sickness. By predicting the probability of such events, actuaries can help ensure that insurance companies can pay out claims as necessary. These professionals typically need strong skills in quantitative economics.

Actuaries who study economics in an accredited economics program are well-compensated for their work. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for these professionals was over $111,000.

Master’s-level economics programs may give candidates a competitive advantage when looking for work as an actuary, but this advanced credential isn’t required. Many companies hire actuaries with only a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, statistics, economics, or a related field. Others encourage students to complete an advanced course of study.

Career Spotlight: Management Analyst

Though traditionally associated with a business degree, the occupation of management analyst is also one suited for those professionals with a master’s degree in economics. Management analysts use analytical skills to oversee high-level operations of an organization and advise managers on how to increase efficiency and profit. Some of the duties of a management analyst may include gathering information and data, preparing reports and presentations, and creating alternative procedures and processes for organizations in the corporate sector.

In terms of professional success, job projections for management analysts are promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment opportunities for these types of analysts will grow by 11% over the next decade. Management analysts with expertise in healthcare will be among the most sought-after candidates.

Pay for management analysts will vary by industry as well as individual employment terms. Still, the BLS reports the median annual wage for these professionals is over $87,000 per year.

Career Spotlight: Statistician

The fields of economics and statistics are not so dissimilar, so a career as a statistician is certainly an option for individuals with a strong grasp of applied economics, economic theory, and quantitative economics. A statistician’s exact role will depend on the industry they work in. In general, though, these mathematically talented professionals are responsible for analyzing data using quantitative methods and performing calculations to solve problems on behalf of a company or other organization. Statisticians must also be tech-savvy as many of their duties rely on specialized software.

Government agencies and corporations are becoming more dependent on statistical analysis to drive their strategic decisions. Thus, jobs for statisticians are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), positions in this occupation are expected to increase by a whopping 33% over the next eight years.

Those who secure positions as statisticians after finishing thier masters programs may enjoy a six-figure salary as well; the median salary for statisticians (as reported by the BLS) is more than $110,000.

Beyond Economists: 15 Great Jobs for Master’s in Economics Degree Holders

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Featured Programs

Career Spotlight: Economist

Career Spotlight: State Economist

Career Spotlight: Reporting Analyst

Career Spotlight: Bank Statistician

Career Spotlight: Strategic Financial Planner

Career Spotlight: Finance Consultant

Career Spotlight: Economic Development Director

Career Spotlight: Digital Marketing Manager

Career Spotlight: Customer Relationship Manager

Career Spotlight: Economics Professor

Career Spotlight: Data Scientist

Career Spotlight: Budget Analyst

Career Spotlight: Actuary

Career Spotlight: Management Analyst

Career Spotlight: Statistician

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