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Development Economist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

DATASETS | HUD USER

Economist

Denver, CO · 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

New York, NY · 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 ...

Saltwater Inc

$40 - $60/hr

We are currently recruiting for an Economist to support the Great Atlantic Regional Fisheries ... Reviews and guides the development of product deliverables and verify documents for technical ...

DATASETS | HUD USER

Economist

Philadelphia, PA · 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

New York, NY · 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

Fort Worth, TX · 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

Chicago, IL · 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

Fort Worth, TX · 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

Alexandria, VA · 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

Seattle, WA · 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

Denver, CO · 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 ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Economist

Edwards, CA · On-site

$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)

$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 ...

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All JobsDevelopment Economist Jobs

Development Economist information

See salary details

$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.
More about Development Economist jobs
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

Robert D. Niehaus, Inc.

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$33 - $47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Economist
Classification: Full Time
Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Minimum of two days per week in Santa Barbara office
Work Hours: Flexible with start time between 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Travel: Up to 10% of time
Base Salary Range: $68,640-$97,760 annually ($33-$47/hour)
Benefits:
  • Above-market performance-based bonuses
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
  • 401k Plan with profit sharing
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Sick) and Holidays
Summary:
Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. (RDN) is a small, mission-driven economic consulting firm specializing in housing market and socioeconomic research for U.S. Government agencies. Our team of economists and analysts produce high-impact studies that influence military compensation and housing programs.
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 this role, you will design, build, and maintain data-driven workflows focused on regional housing market and cost of living analysis. You will also conduct research and prepare reports on issues related to the cost, quality, and availability of rental housing for US military service members and their families. We look for smart, humble, collaborative, flexible, and hardworking professionals. In return, we reward personal and professional growth with greater responsibility and benefits. This position will report to RDN's Program Manager for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Economic Studies programs.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct applied regional economic analyses to support client decision- and policy-making
  • Develop, scale, and support data collection and analysis workflows
  • Prepare and present client briefings, research reports, and interactive dashboards
  • Design and execute technical approaches to novel problems tailored to client needs
  • Contribute to internal methodological research and development initiatives
  • Review and provide feedback on colleagues' economic analyses and reports
Requirements:
  • US citizenship
  • Must pass FBI fingerprint check and National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI)
  • Education and Relevant Experience
    • Bachelor's degree in Economics plus 2+ years' relevant experience, OR
    • MA/MS/MBA in Economics or closely related field
  • Intermediate or higher understanding of economic concepts and quantitative methods, i.e., statistics, econometrics, data collection and estimation, and regional economic analysis
  • Intermediate or higher proficiency in R (preferred) or Python for data wrangling, statistical analysis, and data visualization
  • Excellent critical thinker and problem-solver
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication
  • Reliable and efficient workload management
  • Advanced user of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
What we also love to see:
  • Familiar with SQL, database design, and Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Uses industry best practices for building data analysis workflows, e.g., documentation, testing, version control, algorithms, data structures
  • Project or personnel management experience

About RDN:
Located in sunny Santa Barbara, California, RDN is an economic consulting firm with a track record of excellence spanning more than 40 years. RDN's core services include housing market data collection and analysis, utility rate studies, surveys, and economic impact studies. Our mission is to provide our clients with the information and guidance they need to advance their missions efficiently and sustainably. Our employee mission is to empower our employee owners to flourish as productive and impactful people. We adhere to the principle of treating others as we would like to be treated, and we seek mutual respect, trust, honesty, loyalty, and mentorship. We value integrity, customer service, excellence, teamwork, innovation, and impact. We enjoy a casual office environment with flexible hours and abundant professional development opportunities. Personal and professional growth is rewarded with greater responsibility and benefits.

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