Economist Jobs in California
Economist jobs in California are in strong demand, concentrated in technology, finance, public policy, and healthcare sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level research analyst through senior staff economist. The most active hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where employers such as the University of California system, Wells Fargo, and the California Department of Finance maintain lasting needs for economic expertise. Applied microeconomics, labor economics, and health economics are among the most sought-after specialties in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 19+ Economist jobs
DESCRIPTION
Are you excited about using econometrics to make multi-million dollar decisions more Science and Data Driven? Are you interested in supporting Consumer Hardware device concepts from innovative idea inception to launch? Do you want to work on a Economics and Data Science team focused on tackling some of the hardest business questions within the Devices business at Amazon and then scaling those Statistics and Econometrics solutions via internal to Amazon tools? Then this could be the role for you!
The Decision Science team owns demand estimates and pricing recommendations of concept devices before customers know they exist. We support analyses on hardware and services ranging from Echo Frames to Kindle Paperwhite to Blink Video Camera subscriptions to the Amazon Smart Plug - all prior to launch. In this role, you will develop science for high visible senior leadership decisions on new devices and services and work with a cross-functional team to apply and scale innovative science broadly.
Key job responsibilities
- Design, estimate, and scale Berry-Levinsohn-Pakes (BLP) random coefficients demand models to quantify consumer heterogeneity, own- and cross-price elasticities, and substitution patterns across large product markets.
- Implement and optimize numerical routines—including GMM estimation, contraction mappings, and simulation-based inversion—to solve structural demand systems at scale in Python.
- Develop and validate instrumental variables strategies to address price endogeneity in differentiated product markets, ensuring unbiased and robust demand parameter estimates.
- Build production-grade pipelines that ingest large-scale observational datasets, estimate consumer preferences, and generate product-level demand forecasts on recurring schedules.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, marketing, and operations to translate structural model outputs—such as willingness-to-pay and competitive diversion ratios—into actionable pricing and portfolio strategies.
- Advance the team's structural modeling capabilities by researching and deploying extensions to classical BLP frameworks (e.g., supply-side estimation, dynamic demand, micro-moments) and documenting approaches in clear technical reports.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in economics or equivalent
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of industry, consulting, government, or academic research experience
- Knowledge of at least one statistical software package such as R, Stata, Matlab, SAS
- Experience in prediction and forecasting in a research or industrial environment
- Experience with handling of large datasets
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, CA, San Jose - 157,300.00 - 212,800.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
Are you excited about using econometrics to make multi-million dollar decisions more Science and Data Driven? Are you interested in supporting Consumer Hardware device concepts from innovative idea inception to launch? Do you want to work on a Economics and Data Science team focused on tackling some of the hardest business questions within the Devices business at Amazon and then scaling those Statistics and Econometrics solutions via internal to Amazon tools? Then this could be the role for you!
The Decision Science team owns demand estimates and pricing recommendations of concept devices before customers know they exist. We support analyses on hardware and services ranging from Echo Frames to Kindle Paperwhite to Blink Video Camera subscriptions to the Amazon Smart Plug - all prior to launch. In this role, you will develop science for high visible senior leadership decisions on new devices and services and work with a cross-functional team to apply and scale innovative science broadly.
Key job responsibilities
- Design, estimate, and scale Berry-Levinsohn-Pakes (BLP) random coefficients demand models to quantify consumer heterogeneity, own- and cross-price elasticities, and substitution patterns across large product markets.
- Implement and optimize numerical routines—including GMM estimation, contraction mappings, and simulation-based inversion—to solve structural demand systems at scale in Python.
- Develop and validate instrumental variables strategies to address price endogeneity in differentiated product markets, ensuring unbiased and robust demand parameter estimates.
- Build production-grade pipelines that ingest large-scale observational datasets, estimate consumer preferences, and generate product-level demand forecasts on recurring schedules.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, marketing, and operations to translate structural model outputs—such as willingness-to-pay and competitive diversion ratios—into actionable pricing and portfolio strategies.
- Advance the team's structural modeling capabilities by researching and deploying extensions to classical BLP frameworks (e.g., supply-side estimation, dynamic demand, micro-moments) and documenting approaches in clear technical reports.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in economics or equivalent
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of industry, consulting, government, or academic research experience
- Knowledge of at least one statistical software package such as R, Stata, Matlab, SAS
- Experience in prediction and forecasting in a research or industrial environment
- Experience with handling of large datasets
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, CA, San Jose - 157,300.00 - 212,800.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually
See All 19 Economist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Economist JobsEconomist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Economist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon8
- Navan4
- Anthropic2
- Brex2
- Apple1
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software5
- Banking & Financial Services3
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Fintech2
- Science & Research2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in economist jobs across California.
- Master's or doctoral degree in economics or closely related field required
- Demonstrated experience with econometric modeling and statistical software such as Stata or R
- Proficiency in quantitative data analysis and economic research methodologies
- Strong written communication skills for preparing policy briefs and technical reports
- Experience with California regulatory, budget, or public policy frameworks preferred
- Familiarity with large administrative or survey datasets relevant to California industries
Economist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a economist in California?
Becoming an economist in California typically requires at least a master's degree in economics, though many research and senior positions require a doctorate. California does not have a state-issued license specific to economists, so hiring decisions center on education and demonstrated analytical skills. Candidates pursuing public-sector roles often target the California Department of Human Resources examination process, which governs state civil service economist classifications and establishes eligibility for those positions.
How much do economists make in California?
Economists in California earn a median of about $119,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,030 for the lowest 10% to over $207,380 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire economists in California?
Employers hiring economists in California right now include Amazon, Navan, and Anthropic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's blend of large technology firms, major financial institutions, and extensive state and county government agencies makes it one of the more varied markets for economic talent in the country.
Which California cities have the most economist jobs?
The California cities with the most economist openings are San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale. Los Angeles and San Francisco anchor the list because of their large concentrations of financial services firms, technology companies, and research universities, while Sacramento draws consistent demand as the state capital, where government agencies, the California Legislative Analyst's Office, and budget-focused departments hire economists on an ongoing basis.
Are there remote economist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 21% of economist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the desk-based and analytical nature of most economist work. Research, modeling, and policy analysis roles are the most likely to be offered remotely, while positions that involve presenting to state agencies, legislative committees, or on-site teams more often require at least partial in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a economist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or junior economist role, which large California employers including the University of California campuses, the RAND Corporation, and county government offices regularly post for candidates with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Graduate research assistantships at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego build applied skills that translate directly into these openings. Completing a senior thesis or internship with a California state agency and becoming eligible for the state civil service economist exam series also give early-career candidates a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to economist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to economist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings above to find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 19 Economist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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