In this article, we will look at the 15 Highest Paying Countries for Economists. We have also covered key trends and companies for economists with an in depth analysis.

Why are Economists Important?

In the intricate dance of world economies, economists serve as the choreographers, the maestros who orchestrate the symphony of fiscal policies, trade dynamics, and financial systems. Their profound impact on shaping the economic destinies of countries and guiding economic growth renders them indispensable figures on the global stage. While their roles in shaping economic policies is pertinent, universities and research groups are the largest employers of economists followed by the government. To read more about the impact economists have, do check out our article about the most influential economists in the world.

Economists are also the architects of economic blueprints that steer corporations toward prosperity. They analyze data, predict trends, and devise strategies to mitigate crises and hence, foster stability and growth. For instance, when Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) launched the iPhone X in 2017 with a price tag of $999, economists likely conducted extensive market research to assess consumer demand at that price point. By analyzing factors like income distribution, consumer preferences, and price elasticity of demand, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) could gauge how the market would respond to the premium pricing. This helped Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) maximize profits without alienating its customer base.

The complexity of the jobs of economists is matched only by the impact of their decisions. It’s no wonder that their high salaries reflect their mastery of numbers. Speaking of high salaries, financial economics is one of the highest paying fields in economics but as far as highest paying jobs in economics are concerned, chief economists are economists with the highest salaries in the world. While economists usually love their jobs, some may consider it to be one of the most boring jobs that pay $100,000 or more. 

Occupational Outlook

Speaking of numbers, the figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provide a solid grounding for understanding the occupational outlook of economists. As of 2021, the median annual salary for economists was $105,630. Moreover, to pursue a job as an economist, a master’s degree is usually mandatory. What’s remarkable is that, unlike some professions, economists don’t necessarily require prior work experience in a related occupation which make it accessible to fresh minds brimming with economic acumen. With a projected job growth of 6% between 2021 and 2031, the US predicts addition of 1,000 new jobs during this period.

Emerging Trends Economists Must Note

The world of economics is in a state of constant evolution, deeply influenced by technological advancements, globalization, and shifting socio-political dynamics. The rise of behavioral economics that studies the psychological factors driving economic decisions, has injected a human-centric dimension into the field for businesses.

A small example of behavioral economics is the idea of “girl math”, as highlighted by the viral Tiktok trend. This concept underscores how people find clever ways to make expensive buys seem reasonable. In their heads, consumers use discounts or other tricks to make spending on luxury items make more sense. This trend clearly highlights how behavioral economics is getting more influential. While our life is constantly changing because of technology, globalization, and other factors, “girl math” shows how consumer psychology plays a far bigger role in how they spend money than they anticipate.

The OECD Economic Outlook, June 2023 has highlighted key insights for economists. Global GDP growth is projected to be 2.7% in 2023, rising modestly to 2.9% in 2024 which reflects a fragile improvement and below-trend performance. Despite a decline in headline inflation due to the energy price downturn, core inflation remains high, with OECD projecting a shift from 6.6% in 2023 to 4.3% in 2024. 

The report underscores the impact of high inflation and modest wage increases on falling real wages in 2022 and prompts governments to provide extensive support to mitigate cost-of-living pressures. Additionally, governments are advised to maintain restrictive monetary policies to combat inflation and phase out fiscal support while targeting vulnerable households. Emphasis is placed on pro-growth spending and structural reforms to address high public debt levels, budget deficits, and pressing future challenges. 

The Impact Economists Create for Corporations

Amazon.com,  Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s incorporation of over 150 PhD economists into its workforce revolutionized its decision-making processes. These economists play a pivotal role in the Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s operations, influencing choices with data-driven insights. For instance, economists shape pricing strategies and leverage advanced algorithms to determine optimal price points. Additionally, their contribution to inventory management has led to impressive improvements which has reduced fulfillment costs by 5% in a year for Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN). Economists also played a key role in Amazon’s Prime offering, determining which benefits most attract customers. Such data-backed decisions have significantly contributed to Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s unparalleled growth, with revenue reaching $386 billion in 2020—a stark increase from $61 billion in 2012, largely attributed to their economist-guided strategies.

Our Methodology

To list the highest paying countries for economists, we identified the countries with the highest demand for economists and then made a list for 27 countries with the average salaries for economists. Of those 27, the 17 with the highest average salaries were selected and have been ranked. We acquired the data for average salaries of economists for each country from ERI Economic Research Institute. The list is presented in ascending order. 

Here is a list of highest-paying countries for economists.

15. New Zealand

Average Salary: $86,722

Becoming an economist in New Zealand offers opportunities to contribute to policy decisions, and address the socio-economic challenges with competitive salaries. Notable economists like Brian Easton and Ganesh Nana have shaped the country’s economic discourse.

14. Austria

Average Salary: $88,692

Austria’s membership in the EU fosters exposure to various economic systems and with institutions like the Austrian Institute of Economic Research, economists are offered avenues for impactful research and policy analysis. It is one of the highest paying countries for economists.

13. United Arab Emirates

Average Salary: $92,461

UAE has a strategic location while being a global business hub with a tax-free environment and strong emphasis on innovation. Thus, the UAE provides a dynamic platform to study and shape economic policies in a stable and multicultural setting. UAE is one of the highest paying countries for economists in Asia.  

12. Norway

Average Salary: $92,858

With its abundant natural resources, progressive policies, and emphasis on renewable energy, Norway stands as a model for economic stability and environmental consciousness. It is one the best countries for economists. 

11. Netherlands

Average Salary: $92,901

Becoming an economist in the Netherlands opens doors to a dynamic economy known for its strong global trade ties and innovative industries like agriculture, technology, and energy. It is one of the highest paying countries for economists in Europe. 

10. Finland

Average Salary: $93,385

Finland’s commitment to research and development, along with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, creates a conducive environment for economists to thrive and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

9. Ireland

Average Salary: $96,993

Ireland has a resilient economy known for its multinational corporations, research centers, and promising financial sector. As an economist, one can actively contribute to shaping Ireland’s economic policies with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Notable institutions like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of Limerick offer exceptional economics programs that can position one for a rewarding career in economics. It is also one of the highest paying countries for dentists. 

8. Australia

Average Salary: $99,413

Economists in Australia are usually employed in institutions like the Reserve Bank, Australian Bureau of Statistics, and consulting firms like Deloitte and PwC. The country offers competitive salaries, with an annual average salary around $99,413. Australia’s immigration processes, like the skilled visa program, facilitate individuals from around the world to pursue careers in different fields, including economics. It is one of the highest paying countries for economists. 

7. Canada

Average Salary: $99,786

Becoming an economist in Canada can be a hot career choice owing to the strong economy, vast industries, and excellent education systems in the country. With top universities like the University of Toronto and UBC offering world-class economics programs, Canada is a popular country for economics degrees.

6. Belgium

Average Salary: $99,980

With esteemed institutions like KU Leuven and Université catholique de Louvain, one can access top-notch economics education. Belgium’s economy thrives on trade and finance, that presents a plethora of opportunities for economists. Its presence as a key player in international organizations such as the EU and NATO further enhances prospects for economists in policy-making, research, and consultancy roles. 

5. Germany

Average Salary: $101,241

Becoming an economist in Germany cab be a wise career choice due to its robust economy and esteemed academic institutions like Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Humboldt University of Berlin. Germany’s focus on innovation, technology, and sustainable development creates a demand for economists in a number of sectors, from manufacturing to finance. 

With a strong industrial base and export-oriented economy, economists can contribute to shaping economic policies, analyzing market trends, and fostering growth. Germany’s central role in the European Union further provides opportunities to engage in international economics and policy making.

4. Denmark

Average Salary: $104,167

Denmark has a  strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and social welfare that often aligns with the economist’s role in shaping policies for equitable growth. The country’s stable economy, open trade policies, and membership in the European Union offer opportunities to engage in international economics. With a well-developed welfare system and progressive taxation, economists can explore areas such as public finance and social policy.

3. Luxembourg

Average Salary: $129,214

Luxembourg’s strong economy, low unemployment, and high living standards create a supportive backdrop for economists to contribute to policy-making that impacts both local and international financial landscapes. The presence of institutions like the European Investment Bank and the Luxembourg School of Finance further solidifies its reputation as a hub for economic expertise. It is one of the highest paying countries for economists.

2. United States

Average Salary: $130,601

The USA’s open market system and entrepreneurial spirit enable economists to address real-world challenges, from healthcare to climate change. The country’s pivotal role in global economic governance, coupled with its varied industries, fosters expertise across a number of sectors. Additionally, the USA’s tradition of intellectual freedom and multiculturalism creates an environment where economists can contribute to shaping policies that impact both domestic and global economies. The USA is also one of the highest paying countries for lawyers.

1.Switzerland

Average Salary: $155,577

Becoming an economist in Switzerland presents a gateway to a stable economy known for its innovation, and high living standards. The country’s robust financial sector, coupled with its emphasis on research and development, offers economists a dynamic platform to engage in cutting-edge economic analysis. Switzerland’s role as a global financial hub, popular for banking and international organizations, provides opportunities to delve into intricate financial and monetary matters. The multilingual environment, with German, French, Italian, and English spoken widely, promotes effective communication in an international context. Switzerland is the highest paying country for economists.

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Disclosure: None. 15 Highest Paying Countries for Economists is originally published on Insider Monkey.