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Development Economist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DATASETS | HUD USER

Economist

Boston, MA · On-site

$127K/yr

This position is located at Department of Housing and Urban Development , Assistant Secretary for ... Leading two or more simultaneous economic research design studies involving advanced statistical ...

Florida Legislature

Economist

Tallahassee, FL

The position has primary responsibility for evaluating state economic development programs and assists in the analysis of fiscal policy proposals. The position operates and maintains economic models ...

Florida Legislature

Economist

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

The position has primary responsibility for evaluating state economic development programs and assists in the analysis of fiscal policy proposals. The position operates and maintains economic models ...

DATASETS | HUD USER

Economist

Boston, MA · On-site

$127K/yr

This position is located in the Department of Housing and Urban Development , Assistant Secretary ... Leading two or more simultaneous economic research design studies involving advanced statistical ...

DATASETS | HUD USER

Economist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$127K/yr

This position is located at Department of Housing and Urban Development , Assistant Secretary for ... Leading two or more simultaneous economic research design studies involving advanced statistical ...

DATASETS | HUD USER

Economist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$127K/yr

This position is located in the Department of Housing and Urban Development , Assistant Secretary ... Leading two or more simultaneous economic research design studies involving advanced statistical ...

ProSidian Consulting

Economist

Charlotte, NC

The Agency's Development Objective is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in covered ... Economist Candidates shall work to support requirements for PR0001 Program Support and The ...

DATASETS | HUD USER

Economist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$127K/yr

This position is located at Department of Housing and Urban Development , Assistant Secretary for ... Leading two or more simultaneous economic research design studies involving advanced statistical ...

US Department of the Air Force

$74K/yr

Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in ... development of regional strategy. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES ( KSAs ): Your qualifications ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Economist

Aurora, CO

$74K/yr

Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in ... development of regional strategy. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES ( KSAs ): Your qualifications ...

US Department of the Air Force

$74K/yr

Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in ... development of regional strategy. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES ( KSAs ): Your qualifications ...

Robert D. Niehaus, Inc.

Economist

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$33 - $47/hr

We are seeking an Economist that is a versatile problem solver who may perform analytical, managerial, client service, and business development tasks across various economic consulting projects. In ...

Town of Foxborough (MA)

$120K - $129K/yr

Serves as the Town's chief land use and economic development official, providing strategic leadership on growth management, community development, redevelopment initiatives, long-range planning ...

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All JobsDevelopment Economist Jobs

Development Economist information

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$46K

$82.1K

$122.5K

How much do development economist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for development economist in the United States is $82,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Economist vs Economic Analyst?

AspectDevelopment EconomistEconomic Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Economics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Economics or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, NGOsFinancial firms, government departments, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocus on economic development, policy analysis in developing countriesFocus on market trends, financial data, economic forecasting

While both roles require strong economics backgrounds, Development Economists primarily focus on economic development and policy in developing regions, often working with governments and NGOs. Economic Analysts tend to analyze market data and financial trends, working mainly in finance and consulting sectors. The roles overlap in their use of economic theories and data analysis but differ in their focus and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Economist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Economist, you need advanced training in economics, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and typically a master's or PhD in economics or a related field. Proficiency with statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python, and familiarity with economic modeling and data analysis tools, are crucial. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration skills set successful development economists apart. These skills enable rigorous analysis of complex development challenges and effective communication of evidence-based recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

How much do development economists make?

Development economists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills may earn higher salaries, especially in international organizations or consulting firms.

What is the highest paid job in economics?

The highest paid roles in economics are often senior positions such as Chief Economist, Economics Director, or specialized roles in finance and consulting firms, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong analytical and leadership skills.

What does a development economist do?

A development economist analyzes economic factors that influence the growth and development of countries or regions. They study issues such as poverty, inequality, and economic policies, often using data analysis and economic models to inform decision-making and policy design. Development economists may work for governments, international organizations, or research institutions and typically require strong analytical skills and knowledge of economic theory.

Is economic development a good career?

A career as a development economist involves analyzing economic data and policies to promote growth and reduce poverty in developing regions. It often requires strong analytical skills, a background in economics or related fields, and may involve working for government agencies, international organizations, or NGOs. The field offers opportunities to contribute to social impact and development projects, with job stability depending on funding and organizational priorities.

What are some common challenges faced by Development Economists when working on international projects?

Development Economists often encounter challenges such as navigating complex political environments, working with incomplete or unreliable data, and addressing cultural differences that impact project implementation. Collaborating with local stakeholders and government agencies can require strong communication and negotiation skills to align objectives and ensure sustainable outcomes. Additionally, balancing short-term goals with long-term development strategies is a frequent challenge, as is adapting to rapidly changing economic or social conditions in the regions they serve.
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What cities are hiring for Development Economist jobs? Cities with the most Development Economist job openings:
What states have the most Development Economist jobs? States with the most job openings for Development Economist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Development Economist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Development Economist jobs are:
Development Economist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Economist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,064 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Economist

Economist

US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$127K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research.
If you do not meet any of the categories listed below, you may wish to apply under announcement 26-HUD-12995350-P which is open for any U.S. citizen to apply. Please refer to that announcement for details on open period, eligibility, and how to apply.Qualifications:

You must meet the following requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-14 grade level, you must have one year (52 full weeks) of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized Experience for this position includes:

  • Leading two or more simultaneous economic research design studies involving advanced statistical and econometric analysis, simulation modeling, the use of computer software, and advanced housing economics, finance, or public finance theory; AND
  • Developing research designs related to the analysis of housing and urban economics, housing finance, public finance, or microeconomics issues; AND
  • Utilizing computer software packages (such as SAS, SPSS, STATA, RATS, or others) to conduct econometric and statistical analysis; AND
  • Communicating effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, on findings of economic studies with special emphasis on describing and assessing the adequacy and significance of the methodology and data employed and findings derived.
The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your resume.
Time-in-Grade: In addition to the above requirements, you must meet the following time-in-grade requirement, if applicable:
For the GS-14 you must have been at the GS-13 level for 52 weeks.
Time After Competitive Appointment: Candidates who are current Federal employees serving on a non-temporary competitive appointment must have served at least three months in that appointment.Education:Basic Requirements Degree:
A. Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
OR
B. Combination: Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Examples of qualifying experience include:
1. Individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation;
2. Supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or
3. Teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.Employment Type: OTHER

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