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Commercial Real Estate Development Jobs in Wisconsin

Kohl's

As a Real Estate Intern, you will have the opportunity to learn and use aspects of real estate development and operations. You will work directly with the Real Estate organization to learn about real ...

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Partner Valuation Advisors (PVA)

WI · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

... Commercial Real Estate transactions. With our long legacy of providing exceptional due diligence ... Mentorship & Development : Direct access to firm senior leadership for career guidance * Culture of ...

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All JobsCommercial Real Estate Development JobsCommercial Real Estate Development Jobs in Wisconsin

Commercial Real Estate Development information

See Wisconsin salary details

$55K

$103.2K

$163.5K

How much do commercial real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for commercial real estate development in Wisconsin is $103,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $129,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the qualifications to get a job in commercial real estate development?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in commercial real estate development depend on the position, but many people in this industry have a postsecondary degree. Licensure as a real estate agent may be required for certain roles. A developer needs a strong understanding of the market and the skills to foster relationships with potential investors. A commercial real estate development manager needs organization skills to coordinate a project and ensure that everything remains on schedule. An analyst typically has a degree in math, finance, economics, or business. The job of someone in commercial real estate development is to plan, coordinate, or oversee non-residential building projects, such as an industrial or office space.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commercial real estate developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commercial Real Estate Developer, you need a solid understanding of market analysis, finance, project management, zoning laws, and often a degree in real estate, business, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software, project management tools, and real estate databases like CoStar or Argus is typically required. Outstanding negotiation, networking, and problem-solving skills help professionals excel in securing deals and managing diverse stakeholder interests. These competencies are crucial for successfully identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and delivering profitable commercial developments.

What are some common challenges faced in commercial real estate development projects?

Commercial real estate development often involves navigating complex zoning regulations, securing financing, and managing relationships with various stakeholders such as investors, architects, and local government officials. Project timelines can be impacted by unexpected construction delays or changes in market demand, requiring flexibility and problem-solving skills. Successful developers stay proactive in risk management and maintain clear communication across multidisciplinary teams to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Commercial Real Estate Development vs Commercial Real Estate Brokerage?

AspectCommercial Real Estate DevelopmentCommercial Real Estate Brokerage
Primary FocusPlanning, designing, and constructing new commercial properties or renovating existing onesFacilitating property sales, leasing, and marketing for clients
Required CredentialsReal estate license, possibly a degree in real estate, finance, or related fieldsReal estate license, sales experience, and negotiation skills
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, project offices, and planning meetingsOffice settings, client meetings, property tours
Industry UsageInvolved in the development phase of commercial propertiesInvolved in transaction and leasing processes

While both roles operate within the commercial real estate industry, commercial real estate development focuses on creating and building new properties, whereas commercial real estate brokerage centers on selling, leasing, and marketing existing properties. Understanding these differences helps professionals and clients identify the right expertise for their needs.

How do you become a commercial real estate developer?

To become a commercial real estate developer, individuals typically gain experience in real estate, finance, or construction, often through roles such as project manager or analyst. They may pursue a bachelor's degree in real estate, business, or related fields, and develop skills in market analysis, financial modeling, and negotiation. Building a network and understanding local regulations are also important steps in entering the field.

What are commercial real estate developers?

Commercial real estate developers are professionals who plan, finance, and oversee the construction or renovation of commercial properties such as office buildings, retail centers, and industrial facilities. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and investors to bring projects from concept to completion, often requiring knowledge of market analysis, zoning laws, and project management tools.
More about Commercial Real Estate Development jobs

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For Commercial Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Commercial Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Commercial Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Commercial Real Estate Development jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Commercial Real Estate Development job openings:

Commercial Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commercial Real Estate Development job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,228 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Development Director (Real Estate)

C.D. Smith Construction, Inc.

Fond Du Lac, WI • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
C.D. Smith Construction is seeking a Development Manager or Director to lead and grow our real estate development pipeline-from site sourcing and acquisition through entitlements, financing, and disposition. This executive role partners closely with company leadership to shape development strategy, evaluate opportunities through rigorous financial analysis, and build strong relationships with investors, public agencies, and external partners. Construction oversight is not a requirement for this position.
This position will be based in one of our Wisconsin offices: Milwaukee, Madison, or Fond du Lac, with travel as needed to support pursuits and projects throughout the United States.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Strategic vision: Help analyze and define long-term development strategy, identify emerging market opportunities, and set tactical objectives for the real estate department.
• Acquisition & feasibility: Lead the sourcing of new sites and conduct thorough financial analysis, including pro-forma modeling and risk assessments, to determine project viability.
• Entitlements & approvals: Manage the entitlement process, including public approvals, zoning actions, and permitting with governing bodies.
• Financial management: Secure project financing through lenders or investors, manage capital budgets, and monitor expenditures to prevent cost overruns.
• Stakeholder management: Build and maintain relationships with key partners, including architects, public officials, lenders/investors, and other stakeholders.
• Operational leadership: Mentor internal development team members, establish goals, and drive accountability.
• Asset/portfolio management: Support management of existing assets/LLC structures and coordinate with accounting on reporting and ongoing administration.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field required. Master's degree (MBA or MSRE) preferred.
• Experience: 4-10+ years of progressive experience in real estate development with a demonstrated record of sourcing, underwriting, entitling, financing, and executing successful projects.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Negotiation: Critical for closing land deals, securing favorable construction contracts, and finalizing lease agreements.
• Financial Acumen: Deep knowledge of real estate finance, accounting, and tax laws to manage complex investment structures.
• Regulatory Expertise: Thorough understanding of local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental standards.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to interpret market data and demographic trends to design projects that meet future demand.

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