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Project Economist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Economic Project Specialist is a senior member of the Finance Business Partners group. The role brings a financial and management perspective to operating and capital decisions, building the ...

In Advanced Project, Project or Serial Life,the Project Economical Manager (PEM) builds and ensure the project's cost commitment, consolidates all economic elements of the project to reach the ...

In Advanced Project, Project or Serial Life,the Project Economical Manager (PEM) builds and ensure the project's cost commitment, consolidates all economic elements of the project to reach the ...

The Economist will provide specialized expertise to analyze the economic impacts of regulations and ... Skills * Provides technical expertise sufficient to conduct and complete a project or analysis ...

The Economist will provide specialized expertise to analyze the economic impacts of regulations and ... SkillsProvides technical expertise sufficient to conduct and complete a project or analysis ...

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Project Economist information

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$59.5K

$73.1K

$84K

How much do project economist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for project economist in the United States is $73,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project economist?

Project Economists are professionals who analyze the economic aspects of projects, including cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, and financial forecasting. They help organizations determine the viability and potential impact of proposed projects by evaluating economic data and market trends. Project Economists play a key role in decision-making, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that projects align with organizational goals and economic realities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project economist?

To thrive as a Project Economist, you need strong analytical skills, economic modeling expertise, and typically a degree in economics or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software such as Stata, R, or Excel, as well as experience with project evaluation frameworks, is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help convey complex findings to stakeholders and work effectively in cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate economic assessments and informed decision-making throughout all project phases.

How does a project economist typically collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders during a project's lifecycle?

A Project Economist works closely with project managers, engineers, and financial analysts to assess the economic viability and long-term impacts of proposed projects. Throughout the project lifecycle, they provide cost-benefit analyses, forecast economic trends, and advise on resource allocation. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as they often present findings to key stakeholders and help shape decision-making processes. This role requires balancing analytical tasks with teamwork to ensure projects are both economically sound and aligned with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Project Economist vs Project Analyst?

AspectProject EconomistProject Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in economics, finance, or related field; often with advanced degrees or certificationsUsually holds a degree in business, finance, or related area; certifications like CAPM or PMP are common
Work EnvironmentWorks on economic modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and policy impact assessments within project teamsFocuses on data analysis, project performance tracking, and reporting
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in infrastructure, energy, and government projectsWidely used across construction, consulting, and corporate project management

The Project Economist primarily analyzes economic factors, conducts cost-benefit studies, and provides economic insights for projects. In contrast, the Project Analyst focuses on data analysis, project tracking, and performance evaluation. Both roles are essential in project planning and execution but differ in their core focus and skill sets.

What is the typical salary for a project economist?

The average salary for a project economist ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals in this role often work in consulting, government, or private sectors and may require skills in economic modeling and data analysis.
More about Project Economist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Economist jobs?

The most popular types of Project Economist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Project Economist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,144 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Economic Project Specialist

Sahuarita, AZ • On-site


ASARCO LLC
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 1 - 5K employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 41 rated mining

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Business Intelligence function works alongside the operations to make ASARCO better. It is organized into three groups: the Advanced Analytics Group, the Finance Business Partners, and the Business Improvement Team. Together they take the hardest questions the business faces and turn them into decisions leadership can act on across the Ray, Mission, Silver Bell, and Hayden operations.
The Economic Project Specialist is a senior member of the Finance Business Partners group. The role brings a financial and management perspective to operating and capital decisions, building the analysis that helps leaders evaluate trade offs, identify opportunities, and choose the best course of action. It is a high impact individual contributor role that works directly with general managers, the Director of Operations, and senior leadership across the company.
The work is varied and shifts with company priorities. A typical question might be whether to rent or buy a piece of equipment, what is driving cost in a given area, or whether an improvement project will pay out. The role frames the question, builds the financial model and business case, and carries the analysis through to a decision leadership can act on, often shaping material capital and operating commitments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Build financial models and business cases to support capital and operating decisions, using net present value, internal rate of return, and payback period as primary decision metrics.
  • Develop sensitivity and scenario analysis on key value drivers, including copper price, cost assumptions, and timing, structured into clear base, upside, and downside cases.
  • Apply structured, hypothesis led problem solving to a range of operational and financial questions across the four operations.
  • Partner directly with general managers, the Director of Operations, and functional leads to frame decisions and align on assumptions.
  • Translate analysis into clear, board ready recommendations, including sequencing, ownership, and success factors.
  • Support strategic planning, capital prioritization, and the evaluation of investment opportunities.
  • Source, validate, and reconcile data from operational and financial systems, including SAP, to ground analysis in auditable inputs.
  • Carry projects from framing through to a decision, coordinating the inputs and stakeholders needed along the way.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Strong financial modeling and valuation skills, including discounted cash flow, net present value, internal rate of return, and capital budgeting.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, scenario and sensitivity analysis, and structured model design, and in Microsoft PowerPoint for executive communication.
  • Working knowledge of an enterprise resource planning system, in particular SAP, is preferred.
  • Proficiency with a data analytics and visualization tool such as Microsoft Power BI or Tableau.
  • Working knowledge of a query or scripting language such as SQL or Python for data analysis is preferred.
  • Strong business judgment, with the ability to separate what matters from what does not and to reframe a question when needed.
  • Structured problem solving and the ability to make progress despite incomplete information.
  • Clear, direct, and structured communication, with the ability to influence and align senior stakeholders without direct authority.
  • Attention to detail and a habit of accounting for the full picture.
  • Strong ownership, seeing the work through to a decision leadership can act on.
  • A professional certification such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) is preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field is required; a Master of Business Administration from a leading program is preferred.
  • Four or more years of experience in a role such as management consulting, investment banking, corporate finance, or an analytical operations role.
  • Demonstrated ability to build executive materials, including Microsoft PowerPoint decks and Microsoft Excel models.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability, with strong communication and cross functional partnership skills.
  • Ability to travel regularly to operational sites.
  • Mining or heavy industry experience is not required.
  • Fluency in Spanish is required.
  • English language fluency

ASARCO LLC provides equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, actual or perceived disability, military status, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other characteristic(s) protected by local, state, or federal law(s).


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