Health Economist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern healthcare landscape, the focus on health economists has never been more critical.

As healthcare policies and economics evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can analyze, guide, and safeguard our healthcare financial systems grows more acute.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a health economist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate field of health economics,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable health economist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Health Economist Duties and Responsibilities

Health Economists apply the principles of economics to the healthcare sector, evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services and products.

They play a critical role in policy making, budgeting, and making strategic decisions.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Analyze healthcare services and products to determine their cost-effectiveness
• Evaluate and interpret data to inform decision-making in the healthcare sector
• Design and conduct research studies to assess health outcomes and patient costs
• Develop economic models to predict the outcomes of different health care policies
• Advise policy makers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders on the economic impact of healthcare policies and programs
• Contribute to the development of health care budgets
• Present research findings to a wide range of audiences, including health professionals, policymakers and the public
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop proposals for new health care services or policies

 

Health Economist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a qualified Health Economist to join our team.

The Health Economist will be responsible for analyzing and evaluating healthcare data to understand trends, make forecasts, and provide strategic advice for decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background in healthcare economics, excellent analytical skills, and a strong understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and legislation.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct economic analyses and research on healthcare data
• Develop and use models to forecast health and economic outcomes
• Provide strategic advice based on economic evaluations
• Work with health care providers, insurers, and policy makers to develop strategies for cost control and improved efficiency
• Monitor changes in healthcare policy and legislation and assess their impact
• Participate in the design and execution of health economic studies
• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders
• Prepare comprehensive reports and papers for publication

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Health Economics, Public Health, or a related field
• Proven experience as a Health Economist
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and legislation
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills
• Ability to communicate complex data in understandable terms
• Strong presentation skills
• Proficiency in statistical software such as STATA, SAS, or R
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Health Economist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for presentations or consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Health Economics.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Health Economist Do?

Health Economists typically work within healthcare sectors, pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations, or research institutions.

They can also work as independent consultants.

Their key role involves conducting detailed research and analysis on the economic impacts of diseases, healthcare policies, and healthcare interventions.

They use statistical and computational methods to study healthcare costs, delivery, outcomes, and trends.

They work closely with other professionals such as healthcare administrators, policymakers, and researchers to develop solutions to healthcare problems from an economic perspective.

This could involve designing cost-effective healthcare delivery models or determining the economic feasibility of new drugs and treatments.

Health Economists are also involved in the formulation of healthcare policies.

They provide crucial economic insights to support decision-making, such as the allocation of healthcare resources, pricing strategies, and health insurance plans.

They also prepare and present reports on their findings to stakeholders, which could influence key decisions in the healthcare sector.

Their responsibilities may extend to forecasting future trends in healthcare economics, allowing institutions to plan and allocate resources more efficiently.

This predictive analysis can help in managing the economic challenges associated with public health crises, population aging, or new disease outbreaks.

 

Health Economist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Health Economist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Proficient understanding of health economics theories and the healthcare industry to analyze and develop strategies to improve the financial efficiency of healthcare services.
• Excellent analytical skills to conduct in-depth research on health policies, healthcare funding, and economic trends, and generate detailed reports on their impacts.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to address economic challenges in the healthcare industry, such as funding allocation, cost-effectiveness, and affordability of healthcare services.
• Strong mathematical and statistical skills to analyze and interpret complex data sets, and use these findings to make forecasts and recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex economic theories and findings to non-expert stakeholders and influence health policy decisions.
• Project management skills to design and oversee health economics studies, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Advanced skills in data analysis software like SPSS, SAS, or Stata to conduct research and analyze health economic data.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical regulations in the healthcare sector to ensure compliance when making recommendations or decisions.

 

Health Economist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Health Economists typically hold a Master’s degree in Health Economics, Public Health, Economics, or a related field, and may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, research assistantships, or part-time roles in a relevant field.

This could be within a healthcare organization, government agency, or an academic institution.

Health Economists with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have further developed their analytical and research skills, and may have a track record in conducting health economic evaluations, cost-effectiveness analysis, and budget impact analysis.

They may also have experience in using statistical software for data analysis and possess a solid understanding of healthcare systems and policies.

Senior Health Economists generally have more than 5 years of experience and usually hold a Ph.D. in a related field.

They often have a robust portfolio of published research and may have led multidisciplinary research teams.

Their experience may include designing and managing complex health economic and outcomes research studies, providing strategic consulting to healthcare organizations, and influencing health policy decisions.

They are often ready for leadership or managerial roles in their organizations.

 

Health Economist Education and Training Requirements

Health Economists typically require a bachelor’s degree in economics, health administration, public health, or a related field as a minimum.

Advanced positions in this field often require a master’s degree or Ph.D. in health economics, health services research, or in a closely related field.

Coursework for these degrees usually includes studies in health economics, econometrics, statistical analysis, and public health issues.

A strong mathematical background is essential for individuals considering this career.

In addition to formal education, health economists also need a good understanding of the healthcare industry, health policies, and current health issues.

They must have strong analytical skills and be able to use statistical software and models to analyze health data.

While not always required, certification as a Health Economist can be helpful for advancement.

Such certification can be gained through organizations such as the International Health Economics Association.

Continuing education is important for Health Economists as they must stay up-to-date with changes in health policy, health care laws, and economic conditions.

 

Health Economist Salary Expectations

A Health Economist can expect to earn an average salary of $94,917 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary based on the level of experience, the size and type of the employer, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Health Economist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a health economist need?

Health economists need strong analytical skills to interpret and forecast healthcare trends.

They should have a solid foundation in economics, health policy and statistical analysis.

They also need excellent communication skills to present their findings effectively to various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients.

 

Do health economists need a degree?

Most health economist roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in economics, health economics, public health, or a related field.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or PhD.

In addition, practical experience in the health sector can be a valuable asset.

 

What should you look for in a health economist’s resume?

A health economist’s resume should highlight education in economics or a related field, as well as any experience in the healthcare sector.

Look for skills in data analysis, statistical software, and economic modeling.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has experience with health policy or health technology assessment.

 

What qualities make a good health economist?

A good health economist has a deep understanding of economics and the healthcare industry.

They are detail-oriented, skilled at analyzing complex data, and have the ability to interpret and communicate these findings in a clear and concise manner.

They also need to be adaptable, as the healthcare landscape is continuously changing.

 

Is it difficult to hire health economists?

The demand for health economists is high, especially as the healthcare sector continues to grow and change.

This can make it challenging to find qualified candidates.

However, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the true responsibilities of a health economist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one economic model at a time.

With our go-to health economist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into action.

But why limit yourself here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every health economic model is a piece of the larger healthcare puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Health Economist (Complete Guide)

Time Transformers: The Most Flexible Jobs in Today’s Market

Don’t Settle for Less: Remote Jobs with Jaw-Dropping Salaries!

Easy Does It: Jobs That Prove You Don’t Have to Work Hard to Live Well!

The Job Market of Tomorrow: How AI is Shaping Careers