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.
Find OPT Economist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Economist jobs
See all Economist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Economist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Health Care Authority (HCA) participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire.
Our Vision
Every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.
Our Mission
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Our Goals
- Leverage purchasing power and partnerships to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive health care coverage that improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans and the workforce.
- Achieve health equity by addressing poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources, building a New Mexico where everyone thrives.
- Implement innovative technology and data-driven decision-making to provide unparalleled, convenient access to services and information.
- Build the best team in state government by supporting employees continuous growth and wellness.
WHY DOES THE JOB EXIST?
The Senior Economist will:
- Prepare the operating budget, appropriation requests, expenditure and revenue projections;
- Assist the advisor for program planning and will train and mentor budget staff on daily duties and special assignments;
- Assist the department with complex expenditure and revenue budget issues;
- Perform a full range of budget, program and grant analysis for a complex agency budget with multiple funding sources and a high level of sensitivity, visibility and responsibility;
- Aide in providing fiscal analysis as needed by the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC);
- Coordinate budget and financial activity between Administrative Services Division (ASD) and the assigned division.
HOW DOES IT GET DONE?
The Senior Economist is responsible for:
- Managing the budget as well as revenues and expenditures for assigned divisions;
- Analyzing expenses, grants, revenues, and reports ensuring compliance with the General Appropriations Act;
- Coordinating activity between ASD and assigned division.
WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS?
- Health Care Authority (HCA) and assigned programs;
- Department of Finance and Administration (DFA);
- Legislative Finance Committee (LFC).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Statistics, or Business Administration and three (3) years of experience in database manipulation, statistical analysis, or spreadsheet and/or statistical software usage. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
- Must obtain and maintain a Defensive Driving certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer to include working with computers, faxes, copiers, printers and phone usage with extended periods of sitting. Ability to lift up to 25lbs. Travel throughout the state and occasional out of state may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Jolene Jaffa, (505) 690-9920. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
BARGAINING UNIT POSITION
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
INTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Health Care Authority (HCA) participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire.
Our Vision
Every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.
Our Mission
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Our Goals
- Leverage purchasing power and partnerships to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive health care coverage that improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans and the workforce.
- Achieve health equity by addressing poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources, building a New Mexico where everyone thrives.
- Implement innovative technology and data-driven decision-making to provide unparalleled, convenient access to services and information.
- Build the best team in state government by supporting employees continuous growth and wellness.
WHY DOES THE JOB EXIST?
The Senior Economist will:
- Prepare the operating budget, appropriation requests, expenditure and revenue projections;
- Assist the advisor for program planning and will train and mentor budget staff on daily duties and special assignments;
- Assist the department with complex expenditure and revenue budget issues;
- Perform a full range of budget, program and grant analysis for a complex agency budget with multiple funding sources and a high level of sensitivity, visibility and responsibility;
- Aide in providing fiscal analysis as needed by the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC);
- Coordinate budget and financial activity between Administrative Services Division (ASD) and the assigned division.
HOW DOES IT GET DONE?
The Senior Economist is responsible for:
- Managing the budget as well as revenues and expenditures for assigned divisions;
- Analyzing expenses, grants, revenues, and reports ensuring compliance with the General Appropriations Act;
- Coordinating activity between ASD and assigned division.
WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS?
- Health Care Authority (HCA) and assigned programs;
- Department of Finance and Administration (DFA);
- Legislative Finance Committee (LFC).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Statistics, or Business Administration and three (3) years of experience in database manipulation, statistical analysis, or spreadsheet and/or statistical software usage. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
- Must obtain and maintain a Defensive Driving certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer to include working with computers, faxes, copiers, printers and phone usage with extended periods of sitting. Ability to lift up to 25lbs. Travel throughout the state and occasional out of state may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Jolene Jaffa, (505) 690-9920. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
BARGAINING UNIT POSITION
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
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.