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Development Economist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Economic Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Economic Development Manager Responsibilities: * Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual reports to management related to property and portfolio performance in regards to budget, internal ...

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Development Economist information

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$47.4K

$84.5K

$126.2K

How much do development economist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for development economist in Chicago, IL is $84,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

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.

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.

How much do development economists make?

Development economists' salaries typically range from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those in international organizations can earn higher, often exceeding $150,000. Many development economists also work in research, policy analysis, or consulting, requiring strong analytical skills and advanced degrees such as a Ph.D.

How to become a development economist?

To become a development economist, typically a candidate needs a bachelor's degree in economics, development studies, or a related field, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in economics or development economics. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software, and understanding of economic theories are essential, often complemented by research experience or internships in development projects.

Is economic development a good career path?

Development economists analyze economic growth and policies aimed at improving living standards in developing regions. The field offers opportunities in research, policy advising, and international organizations, often requiring strong analytical skills and advanced degrees. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in social impact and global issues.

What do development economists do?

Development economists analyze economic factors that influence the growth and development of countries and regions. They study issues such as poverty, inequality, and economic policies, often using data analysis and economic modeling to inform decision-making. Their work supports the design of strategies to improve living standards and promote sustainable development.

What are popular job titles related to Development Economist jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Development Economist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Economist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Economist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Development Economist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Economist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,538 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

Meta

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Meta designs, builds, leases and operates the most innovative and efficient data centers in the world. Locating, developing and managing this data center infrastructure is synonymous with ensuring high uptime, capacity availability, flexibility and capital and operational cost efficiency. Meta is seeking an experienced, organized and proactive Asset Manager to join the Data Center Economic Development team.This position will play a key role in Meta’s data center site selection activities by completing tax and economic incentive diligence and managing compliance efforts for new and expanding regions.
Economic Development Manager Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual reports to management related to property and portfolio performance in regards to budget, internal and external benchmarks, and established goals.
  • Interface with internal organizations including data center design, construction, legal, payroll, finance, accounting and tax.
  • Gather and analyze investment and employment related data to drive decisions for future site selection efforts and complete compliance obligations for existing regions.
  • Maintain and optimize data center incentive compliance program for global portfolio of data center assets.
  • Complete diligence relating to economic development programs as well as state and local tax laws for new and existing data center regions.
  • Build and maintain cost models that compare taxes and economic incentives in new and existing data center regions.
  • Partner with economic development managers to prepare internal and external summary materials needed for ongoing site selection efforts.
  • Work cross-functionally to understand the project parameters needed to support data center economic development discussions.
  • Ability to travel domestically (up to 25% a month) as project needs require.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a directly related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 6+ years of experience in state and local taxes and economic incentives
  • Financial analysis and project management experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience coordinating internal staff and consultants
  • Proven precise communication skills

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$154,000/year to $200,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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