This is sometimes possible This may be possible after several years experience. You will need to build up both contacts and personal reputation before embarking on consultancy work. Some short courses and seminars. Sometimes secondment to higher degree courses. There is no clear career development or promotion structure except in the Civil Service.
Progression often requires movement between employers of different size and type or into management.
The salary data was collected in Jul 99 Considerable variation between employers. A Masters degree can command a higher starting salary. Good benefits packages including company car common in private sector. City economists have higher top salaries. Mainly office based.