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Senior Economist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Major Duties and Responsibilities The key responsibilities of the economist/senior economist and headquarters-based technical assistance advisors will include: * Leading and participating in CD ...

Economist (Sr.)

Vienna, VA · On-site

$92K - $116K/yr

Senior Economist Disclaimer: This position is being recruited in support of potential future contract awards. Qualified candidates may be considered for upcoming opportunities supporting federal ...

Senior Economist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

PhD preferred5-10 years OMB A-4 / A-94 experienceHands-on IMPLAN, RIMS II, or REMI modelingPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSEnvironmental / resource economics specializationPrior NOAA fisheries economic ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Economist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.3K

$111.9K

$155.5K

How much do senior economist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior economist in Reston, VA is $111,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $121,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior economist?

A senior economist specializes in economics and policies related to the financial field, such as banking, international regulations, and monetary policies. Your job duties as an economist include performing complex research on a given topic, guiding other people in your department, and developing policies and reports based off of your research. You may work for a think tank, private company, or government. Qualifications for a career as a senior economist include a bachelor’s degree in economics or a closely related subject and an advanced degree, such as a master’s or Ph.D. You also need excellent research and analytical skills and experience in finance.

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

To thrive as a Senior Economist, you need advanced analytical skills, deep knowledge of economic theory, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in economics or a related field. Proficiency with statistical software like Stata, R, or SAS, as well as experience in econometric modeling and data analysis, is essential. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to present complex findings clearly are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for generating impactful economic insights, influencing policy, and supporting strategic decision-making.

How does a senior economist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Senior Economists frequently work alongside policy analysts, data scientists, and business leaders to provide actionable insights that drive organizational strategy. Their role often involves translating complex economic models into clear recommendations for non-technical stakeholders, participating in interdisciplinary project meetings, and ensuring economic perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are crucial for navigating differing priorities and achieving consensus on key initiatives.

What is the difference between Senior Economist vs Economist?

AspectSenior EconomistEconomist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree required; often a master's or PhD preferredBachelor's degree minimum; advanced degrees enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentTypically in government agencies, research institutions, or large corporationsFound in similar settings, often as entry or mid-level roles
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in economic analysis, policy advising, and research rolesEntry-level to mid-level economic analysis roles in various industries

The main difference between a Senior Economist and an Economist lies in experience, responsibilities, and often educational background. Senior Economists usually have more experience, handle complex projects, and may lead teams, whereas Economists are often in entry or mid-level roles focused on analysis and research. Both roles are vital in economic analysis but differ in scope and seniority.

How much does a senior economist get paid?

A senior economist's salary typically ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often require advanced degrees and strong analytical skills, and may work in government, consulting, or private sectors.

What does a senior economist do?

A senior economist analyzes economic data, develops forecasts, and provides insights to support business or policy decisions. They often use statistical tools and economic models, and may lead research projects or advise management on economic trends and implications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economist jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Economist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Economist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Economist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Economist job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 46% As Needed, 30% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 13% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,936 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Economist/Senior Economist (FADM2)

International Monetary Fund

Washington, DC • On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Work for the IMF. Work for the World.
The Public Financial Management II Division (FADM2) of the Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD) is looking for qualified candidates to fill vacancies for economist/senior economist and headquarters-based technical assistance advisors. FADM2 provides capacity development (CD) support to IMF member countries in non-Anglophone Africa, Asia and Pacific, and the Western Hemisphere. The support is extended typically through diagnostic and review missions, trainings, and workshops, and covers a wide spectrum of public financial management (PFM) issues, including PFM legal frameworks; medium-term fiscal and budget frameworks; management of fiscal risks; budget formulation, execution, and reporting; public investment management; cash and debt management; and digitalization of public finance. The successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the various work streams of the Division.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the economist/senior economist and headquarters-based technical assistance advisors will include:
  • Leading and participating in CD activities in one or more of the above topical areas.
  • Coordinating and supervising technical content of the CD delivered by IMF's regional technical assistance centers and by long-term PFM experts assigned to countries.
  • Designing multi-year CD projects for assigned countries based on agreed reform priorities and CD needs, actively managing the project activities, contracting and supervising short-term experts as needed, and reporting on the project performance. This may involve developing proposals for donor-funding and periodic performance reporting to the donors.
  • Advising the IMF area departments on PFM priorities in the context of their surveillance and lending operations in countries.
  • Contributing to FAD's analytical/research work on core and emerging global PFM themes.

Minimum Qualifications
Applicants should have an advanced university degree (preferably master's level or higher) or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, preferably in economics, finance or other relevant area.
A minimum of four years of professional experience in a senior line or advisory position within a ministry of finance or an international financial institution is required; however, candidates with at least 10 years of such experience are strongly preferred.
The successful candidate should have demonstrated expertise in a broad range of PFM topics, considerable first-hand knowledge of PFM practices in different countries, thorough appreciation of institution building challenges in emerging markets and developing economies, and experience in strategic prioritization, design and implementation of PFM reforms at international level. They should possess strong English oral and written communication skills. In addition, proficiency in French and Spanish is required for some positions. The candidates should possess excellent interpersonal skills and have the ability to work as part of a team, maintain effective and cooperative relations with national authorities and development partners at a senior level, and handle sensitive issues with discretion in a multicultural environment. They would be expected to have sound understanding of IMF policies and processes.
All applicants are expected to include a Statement of Interest as an attachment to the application, which may be used in the screening process for the vacancies.
This vacancy shall be filled by a 3-year Term appointment in accordance with the Fund's new employment rules that took effect on May 1, 2015.
Department:
FADM2 Fiscal Affairs Department Public Financial Management II
Hiring For:
A11, A12, A13, A14
The IMF is guided by the principle that the employment, classification, promotion, and assignment of staff shall be made without discrimination against any person. We welcome requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process. Information on how to request accommodations will be provided during the application process.