How to Make $60K with an Economics Degree
Economics is one of the most analytically rigorous undergraduate degrees — and those skills translate directly to well-paying entry-level roles. Reaching $60K with an economics degree is very achievable right out of school with the right role targeting.
Realistic paths to $60K with a Economics degree
Financial Analyst
Economics is the second most common degree for financial analyst roles after finance. Excel mastery + financial modeling is the entry requirement.
Data Analyst
Economics degrees typically include statistics and econometrics — add SQL and a BI tool to qualify for data analyst roles in finance, tech, or consulting.
Economic Research Analyst
Government agencies, think tanks, and research firms hire economics graduates directly for research analyst roles.
Management Consultant (Analyst Level)
Big 4 and strategy consulting firms hire economics graduates for analyst roles. Economics reasoning is highly valued in consulting.
Key insight
Economics graduates have some of the highest standardized test scores of any major — GMAT, LSAT, and GRE performance is consistently strong. This positions you well for MBA, law school, and competitive analyst programs where those scores matter.
Frequently asked questions
What jobs can you get with an economics degree?
Financial analyst, data analyst, economic research analyst, management consultant, policy analyst, market research analyst, actuary (with exams), banker, and real estate analyst are all common entry points for economics graduates.
Should I get a master's in economics?
For academia or central bank roles, yes. For most corporate roles, a master's adds limited value over a strong bachelor's. An MBA from a target school or CFA certification gives more career leverage than a straight master's in economics.
Is economics a good degree for data science?
Yes — the quantitative and statistical foundation of economics (regression, econometrics, causal inference) maps well to data science. Adding Python and machine learning to your econometrics background is a well-trodden path into data science.