OPT Economist Jobs
Economist roles qualify for OPT work authorization when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in economics or a closely related field. Most federal agencies, research institutions, and consulting firms that hire economists have established sponsorship pathways, making this one of the stronger fields for F-1 students extending into STEM OPT.
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Please note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $115,008- $133,212 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.
Hybrid: Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows for telework. However, you will need to travel for in-person activities, meetings, and events as business needs require.
Why work for OFM:
The Office of Financial Management (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian.
If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you’ve found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!
The job opportunity:
The Office of Financial Management’s mission is to provide accurate and timely information, fiscal services, and policy support that the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies need to serve the people of Washington State. The Forecasting and Research Division provides high-quality data and objective analyses on key issues affecting the state budget and policy development, including economic trends, population estimates, health care, education, and public safety.
The Senior Economist position is a professional, highly complex role responsible for conducting economic and revenue research, forecasts, and analyses under minimal supervision. Intensive, in-depth analysis of technical issues as well as broad, multi-faceted assignments for the Governor, Governor’s senior staff and OFM staff, the Legislature, and legislative agencies on a wide variety of issues and policies are also a responsibility of this position.
What you’ll work on:
Conduct forecasts and analysis of economic and revenue data and trends as assigned, including
- Annual short-term net migration and long-term labor force and nonfarm employment forecasts. Quarterly state revenue forecasts for internal use.
- Annual Median Household Income estimates by county.
- Annual Washington Trends chapters summarizing economic trends, population changes, socioeconomic conditions, budget drivers, and revenues, and expenditures for the general public.
- Weekly and monthly reports to keep agency leadership up-to-date regarding economic trends. The monthly report is developed in collaboration with other agencies (ESD, ERFC, DFI, and Commerce) and shared externally on OFM’s website.
Fulfill ad hoc data requests, produce briefing papers, and other duties.
Analyze complex economic and revenue issues. Create complex econometric models to forecast tax and fee revenues. Produce ad hoc analysis and reports in response to requests by OFM budget and Governor’s policy staff, legislators, and legislative staff on a wide range of topics that can include but are not limited to major tax policy changes, business costs, expenditures and revenues by county, aerospace and technology developments, housing market developments, and labor market developments. Help prepare fiscal notes, present findings in legislative committee work sessions, and fulfill other requests during legislative sessions.
Support Input-Output Model development, maintenance, and use as requested by the Lead Senior Economist.
Collaborate in the construction and maintenance of the Washington State Input-Output Model. Annually update CPI and Producer Price Indexes for the 52 I-O sectors. Use the I-O model to produce job impact analysis for capital projects for other agencies and prepare other I-O analyses for other agencies as needed.
Communicate results in written products and oral presentations.
Produce clearly written reports, briefs, presentations, infographics, and other products that meet statutory, accessibility, and agency requirements, are appropriate for the intended use of the data and research, and address the information needs of specific audiences including OFM senior staff, the Governor’s staff, legislators and legislative staff as well as other interest holders and the public. Presentation venues may include, but are not limited to, meetings with the Governor, legislative committees, internal and external agency meetings, and conferences.
What we need you to bring:
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced knowledge and applied skills in quantitative economic research and forecasting, including the use of descriptive and multivariate statistics and econometric modeling techniques.
- Working knowledge of state and national economic and employment data and inflation measures and indices.
- Competence in data analysis using statistical and spreadsheet software such as R, SAS, EViews, Gauss, and MS Excel.
- Ability to convert data and analysis to practical, understandable information.
- Experience using, maintaining, and updating input-output models.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, including conveying complex data and analysis to audiences with limited knowledge of research, economics, and statistical methods.
- Experience working on multiple projects at a time effectively without close supervision.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or other graduate degree in economics or other quantitative research.
- Considerable (approximately three or more years) experience in conducting economic research studies, forecasting, and/or data analysis in a government setting.
Supplemental Information
What we offer
At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our Recruitment Page for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here’s a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:
- An environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
- 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year.
- State retirement programs.
Application Process:
Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or any other technology to screen your application and reject it. Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, please attach all of the following required documents:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position.
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- References: at least three professional references and their current contact information.
Questions:
OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.
The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195.
Description
Please note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $115,008- $133,212 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.
Hybrid: Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows for telework. However, you will need to travel for in-person activities, meetings, and events as business needs require.
Why work for OFM:
The Office of Financial Management (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian.
If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you’ve found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!
The job opportunity:
The Office of Financial Management’s mission is to provide accurate and timely information, fiscal services, and policy support that the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies need to serve the people of Washington State. The Forecasting and Research Division provides high-quality data and objective analyses on key issues affecting the state budget and policy development, including economic trends, population estimates, health care, education, and public safety.
The Senior Economist position is a professional, highly complex role responsible for conducting economic and revenue research, forecasts, and analyses under minimal supervision. Intensive, in-depth analysis of technical issues as well as broad, multi-faceted assignments for the Governor, Governor’s senior staff and OFM staff, the Legislature, and legislative agencies on a wide variety of issues and policies are also a responsibility of this position.
What you’ll work on:
Conduct forecasts and analysis of economic and revenue data and trends as assigned, including
- Annual short-term net migration and long-term labor force and nonfarm employment forecasts. Quarterly state revenue forecasts for internal use.
- Annual Median Household Income estimates by county.
- Annual Washington Trends chapters summarizing economic trends, population changes, socioeconomic conditions, budget drivers, and revenues, and expenditures for the general public.
- Weekly and monthly reports to keep agency leadership up-to-date regarding economic trends. The monthly report is developed in collaboration with other agencies (ESD, ERFC, DFI, and Commerce) and shared externally on OFM’s website.
Fulfill ad hoc data requests, produce briefing papers, and other duties.
Analyze complex economic and revenue issues. Create complex econometric models to forecast tax and fee revenues. Produce ad hoc analysis and reports in response to requests by OFM budget and Governor’s policy staff, legislators, and legislative staff on a wide range of topics that can include but are not limited to major tax policy changes, business costs, expenditures and revenues by county, aerospace and technology developments, housing market developments, and labor market developments. Help prepare fiscal notes, present findings in legislative committee work sessions, and fulfill other requests during legislative sessions.
Support Input-Output Model development, maintenance, and use as requested by the Lead Senior Economist.
Collaborate in the construction and maintenance of the Washington State Input-Output Model. Annually update CPI and Producer Price Indexes for the 52 I-O sectors. Use the I-O model to produce job impact analysis for capital projects for other agencies and prepare other I-O analyses for other agencies as needed.
Communicate results in written products and oral presentations.
Produce clearly written reports, briefs, presentations, infographics, and other products that meet statutory, accessibility, and agency requirements, are appropriate for the intended use of the data and research, and address the information needs of specific audiences including OFM senior staff, the Governor’s staff, legislators and legislative staff as well as other interest holders and the public. Presentation venues may include, but are not limited to, meetings with the Governor, legislative committees, internal and external agency meetings, and conferences.
What we need you to bring:
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced knowledge and applied skills in quantitative economic research and forecasting, including the use of descriptive and multivariate statistics and econometric modeling techniques.
- Working knowledge of state and national economic and employment data and inflation measures and indices.
- Competence in data analysis using statistical and spreadsheet software such as R, SAS, EViews, Gauss, and MS Excel.
- Ability to convert data and analysis to practical, understandable information.
- Experience using, maintaining, and updating input-output models.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, including conveying complex data and analysis to audiences with limited knowledge of research, economics, and statistical methods.
- Experience working on multiple projects at a time effectively without close supervision.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or other graduate degree in economics or other quantitative research.
- Considerable (approximately three or more years) experience in conducting economic research studies, forecasting, and/or data analysis in a government setting.
Supplemental Information
What we offer
At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.
Please visit our Recruitment Page for a full list of benefits available to employees. Here’s a quick glance at some of the unique benefits that OFM offers:
- An environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
- 12 paid holidays, 14 paid vacation days (minimum), and 12 days of sick leave per year.
- State retirement programs.
Application Process:
Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Keep in mind that once you submit the application, a real person will read it. We do not use AI or any other technology to screen your application and reject it. Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
When completing your application, please attach all of the following required documents:
- Cover letter: describing your qualifications for this specific position.
- Resume: that details your applicable experience and education.
- References: at least three professional references and their current contact information.
Questions:
OFM's Staff ASL interpreter is available to all deaf and hard-of-hearing applicants. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please email us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.
The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply.
This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195.
See all OPT Economist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Economist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Economist
Target employers with federal contracts
Federal contractors and agencies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Congressional Budget Office, and Federal Reserve actively hire economists and have established OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship processes. These employers are accustomed to the paperwork and timelines involved.
Verify your degree field qualifies for STEM OPT
Economics is on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, which means a qualifying degree can unlock a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your specific program CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles with longer hiring timelines.
Lead with quantitative skills in your resume
Employers hiring economists expect proficiency in econometric modeling, Stata, R, or Python. Foregrounding these technical skills signals that you can contribute immediately, which matters more to sponsors weighing the cost and effort of supporting your work authorization.
Apply to research-intensive organizations early
Think tanks, policy institutes, and academic research centers often recruit six to nine months before their start dates. Applying early gives you time to discuss OPT authorization requirements before offer deadlines pressure both sides.
Clarify OPT status before the final interview round
Raise your OPT status during or after a second-round interview, not at the offer stage. Frame it factually: your authorization is in place, you qualify for a 24-month STEM extension, and H-1B transition is a standard next step for this role type.
Focus on policy and consulting firms with established sponsorship records
Firms like Cornerstone Research, Analysis Group, and NERA Economic Consulting regularly sponsor economists. Targeting employers with a documented history of sponsoring international hires reduces the risk of losing an offer over authorization uncertainty.
Economist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Economist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Economics degrees are included on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, which makes graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond the standard 12 months. You need to confirm that your specific degree program's CIP code is STEM-designated with your Designated School Official before assuming eligibility.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor OPT for Economist roles?
Federal agencies, central banks, economic consulting firms, and large financial institutions sponsor economists most consistently. The Federal Reserve System, World Bank, and consulting firms with litigation support practices are well-known for hiring international economists and managing work authorization transitions. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate to identify which organizations are actively hiring OPT candidates right now.
Does an Economist role need to require a specific degree field to count as a qualifying OPT job?
Yes. For OPT employment to be valid, the job must be directly related to your field of study. An economics degree supports roles in economic analysis, policy research, and quantitative consulting. It may not support a general business operations role even if the employer calls it an economist position. Review the job description carefully and discuss borderline cases with your DSO before accepting.
How far in advance should I start applying for Economist roles while on OPT?
Start at least three to four months before your OPT start date for private sector roles, and six to nine months for federal or research institution roles, which have longer hiring cycles. Federal economist positions, particularly those requiring security clearances, can take several months from application to start date, which can create timing conflicts with OPT windows.
Can I work as an Economist at a nonprofit or government agency on OPT?
Yes. Nonprofits, government agencies, and international organizations all qualify as OPT employers as long as the role is related to your degree field and you are receiving compensation or academic credit. Unpaid positions require prior DSO authorization and must meet specific criteria. Federal government positions are generally paid and straightforward for OPT authorization purposes.