Thinking about a career as an economist in the federal government? You’ll find tons of options across agencies—the Federal Reserve, Treasury, FTC, just to name a few.

These jobs usually want strong academic backgrounds, sometimes a Ph.D., but they pay well and let you actually shape real economic policies.

Most federal economist roles kick off around $120,000 a year, and you’ll get to dive into real-world financial and economic puzzles.

You’ll run into jobs that cover everything from international economics to financial regulation.

The work is full-time and can get pretty specialized.

There are clear career paths from entry-level all the way up.

If you know what agencies want and how to apply, you’ll definitely have an edge.

Let’s break down what it takes to start and grow as a federal economist, so you can figure out if this path feels like a good fit.

See the other top US government jobs on our list here.

Federal Economist Career Pathways

Federal economist careers open doors in research, policy, and data analysis.

You’ll need specific education and qualifications.

Your job search will probably involve government hiring tools.

Different agencies use economists in different ways, so your role can vary a lot depending on where you land.

Job Search Strategies

Start your search at USAJOBS, the government’s main job portal.

You can filter openings by location, pay, and job series.

Look out for positions at places like the Federal Reserve Board or the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

When you apply, always read the job listing closely.

Check if they want a certain degree or experience.

Use keywords like “economics,” “statistics,” or “econometrics” in your resume.

Highlight your skills and any projects that stand out.

Networking helps, too.

Join professional groups or hit up events for federal economists.

If you can, try internships or fellowships to get inside experience.

Education and Qualifications

Most economist jobs in the federal government want at least a master’s in economics.

Some entry-level roles will take a bachelor’s if you’ve got solid courses in economics, stats, or calculus.

If you want research-heavy positions or dream of working at the Federal Reserve, you’ll probably need a Ph.D. Your education should have about 21 semester hours in economics and 3 in stats or math.

Sometimes, the right experience can stand in for education if it meets government standards.

If you’ve done a dissertation or specialized research—say, in trade or payment systems—that really boosts your profile.

They especially value skills in econometrics and data science.

If you’re eyeing the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, focus on financial markets and economic measurement.

Roles Within Federal Agencies

Federal economists work all over, from central banks to statistical agencies.

At the Federal Reserve, you might analyze banks or study how monetary policy shakes things up.

Economists at the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis dig into data like GDP, consumer spending, or trade balances.

You might spend your days modeling trends, writing technical reports, or advising policymakers.

Agencies want economists who can turn complex data into clear advice.

Sometimes you’ll work in teams; other times, you’ll do deep, independent research.

You could specialize in behavioral economics, labor markets, or international trade.

If you understand an agency’s mission, you can match your skills and move up faster.

Employment Experience and Workplace Environment

Working as a federal economist means you’ll get solid pay, room to grow, and a work culture that respects your skills and goals.

It’s a mix of challenging projects and support that values your identity and ambitions.

Salary, Benefits, and Opportunities

Federal economist jobs pay competitively, often hitting six figures if you’ve got the experience.

The benefits are strong—health insurance, retirement, paid leave.

All of this makes the roles stable and helps you plan ahead.

The pay scale is structured and rewards you for experience or advanced education like a Ph.D.

You’ll get to work on major economic projects that impact the financial system.

That’s rewarding in its own way.

Advancement comes through promotions or by moving into specialized roles.

You might even get to attend academic conferences and keep your skills fresh while building your network.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Integrity

The federal government takes equal opportunity seriously.

No matter your background or whether you have a disability, you’re protected and supported.

That creates a diverse team of economists with all kinds of perspectives.

Integrity really matters in these jobs.

You’ll need to handle data and analysis honestly and transparently.

Your work affects public trust, so ethics aren’t optional.

People respect each other across ages and identities.

You’ll join a team that values fairness, collaboration, and your unique ideas.

Professional Growth and Networking

You’ll find lots of ways to grow in federal economist roles.

Training programs and workshops help you sharpen skills in theory, data, and policy.

Networking is part of the job.

You might team up with data science experts or natural resource economists, which grows your contact list.

Conferences and seminars help you meet others in the field.

This support system encourages you to keep learning and developing.

It’s a good way to stay engaged and ready for whatever comes next in public service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Federal economists can have a range of pay levels, job titles, and responsibilities.

There are lots of entry points, and agencies hire economists for different kinds of work.

The qualifications you need are usually pretty clear and depend on your education and experience.

How much do economists earn working for the federal government?

Your salary depends on your grade and experience.

Entry-level federal economists often start at GS-9 or GS-11, which is roughly $55,000 to $75,000 a year.

If you move up, you can make $130,000 or more.

What are some entry-level jobs for economists in the government sector?

You can start as a Junior Economist or Economic Analyst.

Most federal jobs want a degree in economics and some relevant experience.

You’ll usually collect data, do basic analysis, and support senior economists.

What roles and responsibilities do economists have within the federal government?

You might analyze data like employment rates, prices, or productivity.

Your work could shape government policies or explain how laws affect the economy.

You’ll write reports, forecast trends, and give advice to policymakers.

What agencies or departments commonly hire economists within the federal government?

Agencies like the Federal Reserve, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Bureau of Labor Statistics hire economists.

Each one focuses on different things—monetary policy, economic data, energy markets, labor trends.

What qualifications are required to become a federal government economist?

You’ll need a degree in economics, with at least 21 semester hours in economics and some courses in stats, accounting, or calculus.

Some jobs will accept a mix of education and related experience.

Advanced degrees give you a leg up for higher positions.

What is the highest attainable position for an economist in the federal government?

You can work your way up to senior economist roles or even become the chief economist in an agency.

Some economists also take on jobs as policy advisors or lead economic research divisions.

These top positions usually expect you to have deep expertise and plenty of experience running economic projects and guiding teams.

It’s a tough climb, but for those who love economics and public service, it’s a pretty rewarding path.