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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Description -
Build the economic intelligence capability that helps shape HP's future.
What if you could help answer the questions that determine where a Fortune 100 company goes next?
At HP, we're creating a new Economic Office within Corporate Strategy—a small, high-impact team that connects what's happening in the global economy to the decisions that matter most for our business. We're looking for a Lead Economist to build this capability from the ground up.
This isn't a traditional forecasting role. We don't need someone to tell us what GDP will be next quarter. We need someone who can answer the question, "What does it mean for HP?"
You'll translate macroeconomic trends, policy shifts, geopolitical developments, customer behavior, and market signals into actionable insights that influence executive decision-making across strategy, planning, finance, and the business.
You'll lead a newly formed team with one direct report, partnering across Corporate Strategy, MAP, Finance, Data Science, and business leaders to create HP's enterprise view of economic risks and opportunities.
If you're energized by ambiguity, enjoy connecting seemingly unrelated signals, and love turning complex economics into compelling business stories, we'd love to meet you.
Role Overview
As the Lead Economist, you will establish and lead HP's internal Economic Office, serving as the company's trusted advisor on how external economic developments translate into business implications.
You'll build repeatable frameworks, economic models, executive communications, and strategic scenarios that help leadership make better, faster decisions. From tariffs and inflation to AI investment cycles and geopolitical disruptions, you'll help HP understand not just what's happening—but what should happen next.
This is a highly visible role with regular engagement with senior executives and cross-functional leaders. You'll have the opportunity to create an entirely new capability that becomes a core part of how HP plans for the future.
Key Responsibilities
Build HP's Economic Intelligence Capability
Establish and evolve HP's Economic Office as the enterprise source for macroeconomic and strategic economic insights.
Develop HP-specific economic perspectives that go beyond external research by translating economic developments into business implications.
Create frameworks, methodologies, and best practices that become foundational to enterprise planning.
Turn Economic Signals into Strategic Decisions
Monitor global macroeconomic trends, policy developments, geopolitical events, customer sentiment, industry indicators, and market dynamics.
Translate economic signals into implications for demand, pricing, customer spending, profitability, supply chain, channel health, and strategic priorities.
Build scenarios and stress tests that inform executive planning and long-term strategy.
Deliver Insights that Matter
Produce executive-ready economic briefings, trigger alerts, quarterly outlooks, dashboards, and strategic deep dives.
Distill complex economic topics into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations.
Become a trusted thought partner to senior leaders during planning cycles and major business decisions.
Partner Across HP
Collaborate closely with Corporate Strategy, Market Analysis and Planning, Finance, Data Science, Supply Chain, Pricing, Government Affairs, and business units.
Ensure economic assumptions are aligned across strategic planning and forecasting.
Leverage internal and external data sources to continuously improve analytical capabilities.
Lead and Develop a High-Impact Team
Lead and develop the economist team.
Foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Build scalable tools, models, and reusable assets that increase organizational leverage over time.
What We're Looking For
You're naturally curious about how the world works—and even more curious about what it means for businesses.
You enjoy connecting the dots between economics, business strategy, technology, policy, and customer behavior. You're equally comfortable building analytical models, debating strategic tradeoffs with executives, and explaining complex ideas in simple language.
You thrive in environments where there isn't already a playbook because you're excited to create one.
We're looking for someone who brings:
A passion for translating economic complexity into business action.
Strong strategic thinking with exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
Executive presence and the ability to influence without authority.
Outstanding storytelling and communication skills.
Experience developing economic scenarios, forecasts, or decision frameworks.
Comfort working across multiple functions and navigating ambiguity.
A builder's mindset—you enjoy creating new capabilities, not just maintaining existing ones.
A collaborative leadership style with experience mentoring and developing others.
Qualifications
Required
PhD degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Econometrics, Public Policy, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
8-10 years of experience outside of academics, preferably in the technology sector in an economist role or covering the technology sector in an economist function.
Experience in corporate strategy, long-range planning, decision sciences, or supporting senior executives in a Fortune-150 or similar sized company will be preferred.
Demonstrated experience translating macroeconomic trends into business or strategic implications.
Strong quantitative, modeling, and analytical capabilities.
Experience presenting findings and recommendations to senior executives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with economic data platforms such as Oxford Economics, Haver Analytics, Bloomberg, or similar.
Experience leading or mentoring analytical teams.
Knowledge of global technology markets, enterprise economics, or manufacturing supply chains.
Experience with scenario planning, forecasting, causal analysis, or predictive modeling.
Why Join HP?
This is a rare opportunity to build something new.
You'll shape how one of the world's most iconic technology companies interprets economic change and makes strategic decisions. You'll work directly with senior leaders, influence enterprise priorities, and create a capability that becomes part of HP's long-term competitive advantage.
If you're excited about combining economics, strategy, data, and storytelling to help shape the future of HP, we'd love to hear from you.
Salary
The pay range for this role is $147,050 to $230,850 USD annually with additional opportunities for pay in the form of bonus and/or equity (applies to United States of America candidates only). Pay varies by work location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
HP offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, including:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long term/short term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Generous time off policies, including;
- 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
- 11 paid holidays Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave ( US benefits overview )
The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Job -
Business PlanningSchedule -
Full timeShift -
No shift premium (United States of America)Travel -
Relocation -
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -
HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).
Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.
For more information, review HP’s EEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: “ Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal "
See All 17 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



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
- Science & Research
- Electronics & Hardware
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, Anthropic, and HP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Palo Alto, 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 20% of economist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 17 Economist Jobs in California
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