Economist Jobs for OPT Students
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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The Returns and Recommerce Economics & Intelligence team advances returns science to maximize efficiency in returns processes while enhancing customer experience. We bring together economists, analysts, and engineers who leverage methodologies including timeseries econometrics, structural modeling, machine learning, and data science to deliver actionable insights. Our work spans the entire returns value chain – from understanding customer behavior to optimizing recommerce strategies or warehouse operations.
We are looking for detail-oriented, organized, and responsible individuals who are eager to learn how to apply their timeseries and macro-econometrics skillsets to solve real world problems. The intern will work in Returns and Recommerce Economics developing macro models to assess impacts of macro shocks on customer returns.
Interns work on real business and research problems, building skills that prepare them for full-time economist roles at Amazon and beyond. You will learn how to build data sets and perform applied econometric analysis collaborating with economists, scientists, and product managers. These skills will translate well into writing applied chapters in your dissertation and provide you with work experience that may help you with placement.
These are full-time positions at 40 hours per week, with compensation being awarded on an hourly basis.
Key job responsibilities
Our PhD Economist Internship Program offers hands-on experience in applied economics, supported by mentorship, structured feedback, and professional development. Interns work on real business and research problems, building skills that prepare them for full-time economist roles at Amazon and beyond. You will learn how to build data sets and perform applied econometric analysis collaborating with economists, scientists, and product managers. These skills will translate well into writing applied chapters in your dissertation and provide you with work experience that may help you with placement.
A day in the life
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in applied macroeconomics, time series and macroeconometrics, economic theory, and quantitative methods
- Experience in Python, Perl, or another scripting language
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Statistical Analysis packages such as R, SAS and Matlab
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
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 starting pay for this position is listed below. Final starting pay will be based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Starting Day 1 of employment, Amazon offers EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, 401(k) matching. Learn more about our benefits at https://hiring.amazon.com/why-amazon/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, BELLEVUE - 129,200.00 - 174,700.00 USD annually
LOCATION
USA, WA, Bellevue - 129,200.00 - 174,700.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
The Returns and Recommerce Economics & Intelligence team advances returns science to maximize efficiency in returns processes while enhancing customer experience. We bring together economists, analysts, and engineers who leverage methodologies including timeseries econometrics, structural modeling, machine learning, and data science to deliver actionable insights. Our work spans the entire returns value chain – from understanding customer behavior to optimizing recommerce strategies or warehouse operations.
We are looking for detail-oriented, organized, and responsible individuals who are eager to learn how to apply their timeseries and macro-econometrics skillsets to solve real world problems. The intern will work in Returns and Recommerce Economics developing macro models to assess impacts of macro shocks on customer returns.
Interns work on real business and research problems, building skills that prepare them for full-time economist roles at Amazon and beyond. You will learn how to build data sets and perform applied econometric analysis collaborating with economists, scientists, and product managers. These skills will translate well into writing applied chapters in your dissertation and provide you with work experience that may help you with placement.
These are full-time positions at 40 hours per week, with compensation being awarded on an hourly basis.
Key job responsibilities
Our PhD Economist Internship Program offers hands-on experience in applied economics, supported by mentorship, structured feedback, and professional development. Interns work on real business and research problems, building skills that prepare them for full-time economist roles at Amazon and beyond. You will learn how to build data sets and perform applied econometric analysis collaborating with economists, scientists, and product managers. These skills will translate well into writing applied chapters in your dissertation and provide you with work experience that may help you with placement.
A day in the life
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in applied macroeconomics, time series and macroeconometrics, economic theory, and quantitative methods
- Experience in Python, Perl, or another scripting language
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Statistical Analysis packages such as R, SAS and Matlab
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
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 starting pay for this position is listed below. Final starting pay will be based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Starting Day 1 of employment, Amazon offers EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, 401(k) matching. Learn more about our benefits at https://hiring.amazon.com/why-amazon/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, BELLEVUE - 129,200.00 - 174,700.00 USD annually
LOCATION
USA, WA, Bellevue - 129,200.00 - 174,700.00 USD annually
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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