Economist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Economist is a textbook specialty occupation, making H-1B visa sponsorship straightforward from a legal standpoint. Federal agencies, think tanks, consulting firms, universities, and financial institutions all sponsor economists regularly. J-1 visa research scholar visas are also common in academic settings. If you've got a master's or PhD, you're in even stronger position since many economist roles genuinely require advanced degrees. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
The Energy Conservation and Management, also known as ECAM, is leading New Mexico's charge toward clean energy adoption. The division manages more than 35 programs that are helping New Mexicans both individual residents and businesses save money on energy costs while also lowering their greenhouse gas emission footprints. These programs offer tax credits, grants, rebates and loans for:
- Solar panels
- Electric and hybrid vehicles and their chargers
- Energy-conserving products
- Constructing energy-efficient buildings
- Geothermal ground-coupled heat pumps
- Advanced energy manufacturing
- Generating electricity with geothermal heat
- Agricultural biomass
- Other renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.
ECAM is committed to developing and deploying solutions that will maximize New Mexico's renewable energy resources and improve energy efficiency and transportation standards. ECAM is the U.S. Department of Energy's designated State Energy Office.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Why does the job exist?
The senior clean energy economist provides support to ECAM, the Office of Regulatory Affairs, and the Energy Planning Bureau by conducting research, performing data analyses and helping program staff communicate progress relative to key metrics.
How does it get done?
The senior clean energy economist creates, uses and/or maintains economic models that support ECAM's mission; monitors energy markets; contributes data and insights to legislative analyses; and helps drive program decision-making.
Senior Economist for Clean Energy - Roles and Responsibilities
Economic Modeling and Research - 60%
- Use modeling tools to perform original research as needed on topics including, but not limited to, clean energy workforce, energy supply chains, regional energy markets, and other policy-specific inquiries to support economic diversification through the advancement of clean energy in New Mexico.
- Help oversee and guide national lab-led technical assistance projects.
- Produce quarterly energy transition reports and assist with periodic updates of the State Energy Security Plan.
Policy and Program Analysis - 30%
- Review policies and prepare fiscal impact reports of proposed state legislation.
- Keep current on DOE, national lab and clean energy partner policy proposals related to energy resource development, energy transition, grid modernization, energy burden, energy efficiency, economy-wide decarbonization, and energy workforce development.
- Work with program staff to quantify and visualize performance metrics relative to ECAM's goals.
Other Duties and Responsibilities - 10%
- Complete weekly reports to Division Director.
- Attend bureau- and division-wide meetings.
- Respond to inquiries from EMNRD and ECAM leadership as requested.
Who are the customers?
The senior clean energy economist serves ECAM, the clean energy industry, and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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 maintain and possess a current New Mexico Driver's License.
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. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Travel throughout the state and occasional out of state may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Jacqueline Waite 505-629-2858 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
The Energy Conservation and Management, also known as ECAM, is leading New Mexico's charge toward clean energy adoption. The division manages more than 35 programs that are helping New Mexicans both individual residents and businesses save money on energy costs while also lowering their greenhouse gas emission footprints. These programs offer tax credits, grants, rebates and loans for:
- Solar panels
- Electric and hybrid vehicles and their chargers
- Energy-conserving products
- Constructing energy-efficient buildings
- Geothermal ground-coupled heat pumps
- Advanced energy manufacturing
- Generating electricity with geothermal heat
- Agricultural biomass
- Other renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives.
ECAM is committed to developing and deploying solutions that will maximize New Mexico's renewable energy resources and improve energy efficiency and transportation standards. ECAM is the U.S. Department of Energy's designated State Energy Office.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Why does the job exist?
The senior clean energy economist provides support to ECAM, the Office of Regulatory Affairs, and the Energy Planning Bureau by conducting research, performing data analyses and helping program staff communicate progress relative to key metrics.
How does it get done?
The senior clean energy economist creates, uses and/or maintains economic models that support ECAM's mission; monitors energy markets; contributes data and insights to legislative analyses; and helps drive program decision-making.
Senior Economist for Clean Energy - Roles and Responsibilities
Economic Modeling and Research - 60%
- Use modeling tools to perform original research as needed on topics including, but not limited to, clean energy workforce, energy supply chains, regional energy markets, and other policy-specific inquiries to support economic diversification through the advancement of clean energy in New Mexico.
- Help oversee and guide national lab-led technical assistance projects.
- Produce quarterly energy transition reports and assist with periodic updates of the State Energy Security Plan.
Policy and Program Analysis - 30%
- Review policies and prepare fiscal impact reports of proposed state legislation.
- Keep current on DOE, national lab and clean energy partner policy proposals related to energy resource development, energy transition, grid modernization, energy burden, energy efficiency, economy-wide decarbonization, and energy workforce development.
- Work with program staff to quantify and visualize performance metrics relative to ECAM's goals.
Other Duties and Responsibilities - 10%
- Complete weekly reports to Division Director.
- Attend bureau- and division-wide meetings.
- Respond to inquiries from EMNRD and ECAM leadership as requested.
Who are the customers?
The senior clean energy economist serves ECAM, the clean energy industry, and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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 maintain and possess a current New Mexico Driver's License.
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. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. 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: Jacqueline Waite 505-629-2858 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Economist
Target Federal Reserve banks for economist positions
The twelve Federal Reserve regional banks (New York, Chicago, San Francisco, etc.) regularly hire international economists for research and policy roles. These are private institutions that sponsor H-1B visas, and they offer competitive compensation along with strong research environments.
Consider economic consulting firms that sponsor routinely
Firms like Analysis Group, Cornerstone Research, NERA Economic Consulting, and Charles River Associates specialize in litigation and regulatory economics. They hire economists at both the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral levels and have established visa sponsorship processes.
Leverage your Ph.D. for advanced degree H-1B exemption
Economists with a U.S. master's or doctoral degree qualify for the H-1B advanced degree exemption, which provides an additional selection opportunity in the lottery. Given that most economist positions favor advanced degrees, this exemption can meaningfully improve your odds.
Publish working papers to build your EB-1 or NIW case early
Working papers in NBER, SSRN, or Federal Reserve discussion series count as evidence of scholarly contribution. Start building a publication pipeline during graduate school, as a strong body of economic research can support an EB-1A extraordinary ability or EB-2 NIW petition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employers sponsor H-1B visas for economists?
Yes, economists are frequently sponsored for H-1B visas in the U.S. Federal agencies, economic consulting firms, financial institutions, and universities are the most common sponsors. The SOC code 19-3011 (Economists) is well-established as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in economics.
Can economists qualify for EB-2 National Interest Waiver green cards?
Economists whose research has demonstrated influence on public policy, trade, or economic development may qualify for an EB-2 NIW. This pathway allows self-petitioning without employer sponsorship. Evidence like published economic analyses, policy citations, government advisory roles, and a Ph.D. in economics can strengthen the case.
How to find Economist jobs with visa sponsorship?
Use Migrate Mate to find Economist positions with visa sponsorship opportunities. Focus on roles at government agencies, research institutions, financial services firms, and multinational corporations that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1 visa, or EB-2 visas for economists. Target positions in economic research, policy analysis, financial modeling, and consulting where specialized economic expertise is valued and visa sponsorship is more readily available.
Which government agencies hire international economists?
The Federal Reserve System, Bureau of Labor Statistics, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Congressional Budget Office all hire economists and have sponsored visas. The IMF and World Bank use G-4 visas for international organization employees, which is a separate pathway from H-1B. Federal Reserve regional banks are private institutions that sponsor H-1B petitions.
Is a Ph.D. required for economist visa sponsorship?
A Ph.D. is not strictly required, but it significantly strengthens your candidacy. Most economist positions at research institutions, federal agencies, and top consulting firms prefer or require doctoral training. A master's degree in economics with strong quantitative skills can qualify for H-1B sponsorship at some employers, particularly in the private sector.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Economist jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a economist in New York will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.