Macroanalyst

What does a macro analyst do? – Tasks and work environment

A macro analyst works with analyzing economic trends and macroeconomic factors at the national and global levels. Tasks include interpreting statistics, monitoring economic fluctuations, evaluating monetary and fiscal policies, and creating forecasts and recommendations for clients such as banks, authorities, or large companies. The work is often team-based in office settings, requiring high accuracy and the ability to process complex information under time pressure. The role also involves close collaboration with other economists and analysts, where communication skills are essential for presenting results to decision-makers and the public.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for macro analysts have shown a clear upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 47,800 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average increased to 54 000 SEK, a rise of approximately 13%. Between 2023 and 2024, the increase continued, albeit at a slower pace, to 57 100 SEK, corresponding to a growth of about 5.7%. This salary development reflects an increased demand for qualified economists with advanced understanding of macroeconomics and social analysis, while the job market for advanced analytical roles has become more competitive. The educational level within the profession has also contributed to pushing salaries higher, as many employers seek candidates with both advanced education and work experience.

Macro analyst salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 57 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,300 SEK/month (female, private sector worker, high school education)
• Highest salary: 65,200 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, unspecified education)
• Hourly wage (average): 343 SEK
• Women: 54 800 SEK/month
• Men: 59 400 SEK/month
• Women earn: 92% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a macro analyst, a university or master's degree in economics, statistics, or equivalent social sciences is usually required. Many employers also seek advanced studies and practical analysis experience. Internships and trainee programs can be important steps, especially for building relevant work experience and networks. The job market also favors candidates with technical skills in data analysis and econometric software.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (5 years) in economics or statistics
• Certifications/courses: Advanced courses in macroeconomics, statistics, programming (e.g., R, Python)
• Internships/trainee: Internships at authorities, banks, or research institutes are common
• Prerequisites: Strong math skills and analytical ability
• Self-study/online: Opportunities for further learning via MOOCs and online courses in economic analysis

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, macro analysts are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Other common compensations include performance-based bonuses, training allowances, and insurance packages. Employers in both public and private sectors focus heavily on attracting and retaining qualified analysis skills through comprehensive benefit packages.

Competition and challenges

The competition for macro analyst positions is intense, especially at leading employers in finance, government agencies, and large analysis institutes. High demands are placed on both theoretical and practical expertise, requiring many candidates to supplement their education with work experience or specialized courses. Rapid economic changes and market uncertainties mean analysts must be adaptable and continuously update their knowledge of new methods and tools. Additionally, increased information flow and access to big data make the role more technically advanced. Managing stress and delivering analyses on short notice are further challenges faced daily.

Tips for aspiring macro analysts

To succeed as a macro analyst, it is beneficial to combine analytical curiosity with accuracy and perseverance. Building a strong foundation in statistics and mathematics early on provides advantages in studies and professional work, facilitating the interpretation of complex economic relationships. Communication skills are crucial for clearly and convincingly presenting analysis results to diverse audiences. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to new conditions is also important, as economic and political environments can change rapidly. Proactive networking through internships or industry seminars often opens doors to future employment and career opportunities. Having good teamwork skills is also advantageous, as work is often carried out in teams with other specialists. Lastly, broad societal interest and awareness of global developments help maintain relevance and attractiveness in the job market.

Key facts about macro analysts

• Educational level: University or master's degree in economics/statistics
• Work environment: Office-based, often in teams and project-based
• Typical work form: Full-time with remote work options
• Demand: 758 job openings nationally
• Gender distribution: Women earn 92% of men's salaries in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a macro analyst, there are opportunities to advance to senior analyst, chief economist, or other leadership roles within banks, authorities, or consulting firms. Many choose to specialize further, for example in financial analysis, international economics, or policy development. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is insufficient data to provide an exact assessment for the macro analyst profession, but the broad field maintains a stable number of vacancies, and demand for qualified analysis skills is expected to remain. Digitalization and increased complexity in economic analysis make technical skills and global knowledge increasingly important for future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about macro analysts

• What does a macro analyst earn?
  - The average salary for a macro analyst is 57 100 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a macro analyst?
  - Typically, a university or master's degree in economics or statistics is required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 92% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the job market like for macro analysts?
  - There are 758 job openings in the profession, but the exact demand for macro analysts is difficult to assess.
• What are the tasks of a macro analyst?
  - Analysis of economic trends, macroeconomic factors, and development of forecasts and recommendations.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for macro analysts?
  - The highest salary is 65,200 SEK and the lowest is 41,300 SEK per month.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical skills, accuracy, flexibility, and good communication skills are essential qualities.