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Development Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

RailPros

Transportation Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $100K/yr

Draft or support development of key grant components: problem statement/need, project description ... Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public ...

RailPros

Transportation Planner

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $84K/yr

Draft or support development of key grant components: problem statement/need, project description ... Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public ...

RailPros

Transportation Planner

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $84K/yr

Draft or support development of key grant components: problem statement/need, project description ... Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public ...

Marquee Development

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in architectural design, urban planning, construction, real estate finance, and/or other aspects of development. A demonstrated ability to build critical ...

Path Construction

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Leading Development planning and strategy * Locating and Pursuing development opportunities * Review and Analysis of development project opportunities * Develop pro formas * Working with the Managing ...

Path Construction

Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

Leading Development planning and strategy * Locating and Pursuing development opportunities * Review and Analysis of development project opportunities * Develop pro formas * Working with the Managing ...

Path Construction

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Leading Development planning and strategy * Locating and Pursuing development opportunities * Review and Analysis of development project opportunities * Develop pro formas * Working with the Managing ...

Perkins & Will

Lab Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Assists in the design development, modification and/or review of laboratory planning concepts for clients, designers and project team. * Anticipates and develops solutions to technical and design ...

City of West Chicago

City Planner

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $111K/yr

Description Plans, organizes, and implements development programs and activities including long and short range planning, zoning, and other applicable codes and plans on behalf of Community ...

Aspen Guard LLC

Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $66K/yr

The Production Planner will play a pivotal role in optimizing our manufacturing operations by ... Employee recognition and development programs * Comprehensive benefits package including: * Medical:

Aspen Guard LLC

Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $66K/yr

The Production Planner will play a pivotal role in optimizing our manufacturing operations by ... Employee recognition and development programs * Comprehensive benefits package including: * Medical:

City of West Chicago, IL

City Planner

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $111K/yr

Community Development Opening Date: 06/24/2026 Description Plans, organizes, and implements development programs and activities including long and short range planning, zoning, and other applicable ...

Chicago Metropolitan Agen

Senior Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

Experience leading and supporting planning projects and initiatives, including scope development, project tracking, and budgeting is preferred. Projects may include, but are not limited to, long ...

BMWC Constructors

Planner/Scheduler

Munster, IN · On-site

Provide scheduling and planning support for proposal development. * Generate and analyze cost and earned value data from an ERP system. * Support BMWC's safety culture by reporting any condition or ...

Perkins and Will

Lab Planner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Assists in the design development, modification and/or review of laboratory planning concepts for clients, designers and project team. * Anticipates and develops solutions to technical and design ...

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All JobsDevelopment Planner JobsDevelopment Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL

Development Planner information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$75.2K

$104K

How much do development planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for development planner in Chicago, IL is $75,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectDevelopment PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or related field; certifications may varyBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, private development firms, consulting companiesMunicipalities, government agencies, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on development projects, land use planning, and project implementationFocuses on city-wide planning, zoning, and community development

Development Planners primarily focus on managing specific development projects and land use within a broader urban context. Urban Planners have a wider scope, shaping city policies and long-term community growth. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is being a planner a good career?

A development planner is a professional who coordinates land use, infrastructure, and community development projects, often requiring skills in project management, urban design, and environmental analysis. The career offers opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and private development companies, with job stability and growth potential depending on regional development needs. Certification and experience can enhance prospects in this field.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Development planners typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of profitable businesses. For most roles, reaching this level involves significant responsibility and industry expertise.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

Development planners typically earn around $100,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced degrees, or certifications in urban planning, project management, or related fields. Other roles that often reach this salary level include project managers, civil engineers, and senior urban designers, particularly in large organizations or metropolitan areas.

How to become a development planner?

To become a development planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field is required, often complemented by relevant work experience. Professional certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance job prospects. Skills in GIS software, project management, and knowledge of zoning and land use regulations are also important.
Development Planner jobs near you
Transportation Planner

Transportation Planner

RailPros

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
RailPros is seeking aTransportation Planner with 3-5 years of experience to support planning in the Midwest-Chicago focused on grant development, land use coordination, and rail/transit project delivery. This role is ideal for a planner who wants to grow in railroad planning and infrastructure programs, contribute to federal/state grant pursuits, and support rail/transit capital planning and community/agency coordination.
Chicago transportation experience is a plus (Metra/CTA/CREATE/IDOT/CMAP familiarity) but not required. We are looking for strong foundational planning skills, clear writing, and curiosity about how rail projects move from early concepts to funded programs and implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Planning + Project Support
  • Support railroad and rail-transit planning studies, including corridor, station-area, yard/terminal, grade crossing, and service planning efforts.
  • Assist with alternatives analysis, purpose & need development, planning-level feasibility, and implementation strategies.
  • Compile, analyze, and summarize data (ridership/freight context, safety, operations, land use, demographic and economic indicators).
  • Support project coordination with internal engineering teams and external stakeholders (railroads, agencies, municipalities.)

Grants + Funding (Major Focus)
  • Contribute to grant applications and funding strategies (e.g., FRA/CRISI, RCE, INFRA, USDOT discretionary programs; state programs as applicable).
  • Draft or support development of key grant components: problem statement/need, project description, outcomes/benefits, readiness, budget, schedule, and partnerships.
  • Help assemble application exhibits and attachments: maps, letters of support templates, benefit narratives, risk/write-ups, and readiness documentation.

Land Use + Stakeholder Coordination
  • Support land use and community context analysis for rail/transportation investments (station areas, grade crossing corridors, industrial access, freight routes).
  • Assist in preparing meeting materials and notes for stakeholder meetings, public engagement, agency workshops, and railroad coordination.

Documentation + Deliverables
  • Prepare clear, organized written materials: memos, technical summaries, narratives, slide decks, and meeting notes.
  • Assist in developing graphics and exhibits (figures, tables, maps, simple diagrams) to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Required Qualifications (3-5 Years)
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, Geography/GIS, or similar.
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience in transportation planning, rail/transit planning, infrastructure planning, grants, or related consulting/public agency work.
  • Strong writing skills with experience producing professional planning documents and/or grant narratives.
  • Familiarity with transportation data sources, planning methods, and basic project development concepts.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); ability to organize information, track actions, and support multiple tasks.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting federal/state grant applications (USDOT, FRA, FTA, state DOT).
  • Exposure to railroad operations concepts (freight/passenger rail, dispatching, capacity constraints, grade crossing issues).
  • Experience with GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS), basic mapping, or spatial analysis.
  • Familiarity with NEPA/CEQA/SEPA concepts and planning-to-environmental project progression (not required).
  • Chicago/Illinois regional familiarity: Metra, CTA, IDOT, CMAP, CREATE, municipal coordination (a plus, not required).
  • Experience preparing public-facing materials and facilitating/assisting with public meetings.

Competencies We Value
  • Clear communicator: concise writing, organized thinking, and comfort translating technical content for diverse audiences.
  • Self-starter mindset: takes ownership of tasks, asks smart questions, and follows through.
  • Detail-oriented: able to track inputs, edits, and deadlines across multiple deliverables.
  • Team collaborator: works well with planners, engineers, PMs, and external partners.
  • Interest in rail: curious about rail/transit systems, project delivery, and funding pathways.

Why RailPros
  • Opportunity to work on high-impact rail and transit programs across public agencies, passenger rail, freight rail interfaces, and communities.
  • Direct exposure to the full lifecycle: planning → grants → environmental/permitting → design → delivery.
  • Collaborative environment with experienced rail professionals and growth pathways to mid-level planning, project management, and grant leadership.

Compensation & Benefits (Template Language)
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision).
  • 401(k) with company match (if applicable).
  • Paid time off, paid holidays, and professional development support.
  • Flexible/hybrid work options based on project needs and performance.

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