Business & Finance
Economist
You study how money, jobs and prices move through a country.
- Starting salary
- R22 000 – R38 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Economics
What do they do?
You study how money, jobs and prices move through a country.
A day in the life
You analyse data, write reports and advise government, banks or companies on policy and trends.
Skills you need
- Analysis
- Writing
- Maths
- Curiosity about society
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Accounting
- English
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BCom Economics
- 3Honours / Masters
- 4Economist
Ways in: University degree. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- Rhodes University
- University of South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R22 000 – R38 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R45 000 – R75 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R85 000 – R160 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Follow the news on prices and jobs
- • Learn what inflation means
- • Debate economic issues
Try this career
Track the price of five grocery items for a month and explain what changed.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.