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Economic Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Economic Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Economic Development Manager Responsibilities: * Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual ... Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration ...

Everpure

Director, GTM Economics & Science

Chicago, IL · On-site

$168K - $269K/yr

Partner with Data Engineering, Analytics, and GTM Operations to establish robust, stable, and maintainable pipelines and data infrastructure, translating complex econometrics into automated ...

Sargent Lundy

Mid-Level Consulting Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, finance, business, public policy, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in the energy/power industry, including experience in a consulting ...

Sargent & Lundy

Mid-Level Consulting Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, finance, business, public policy, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in the energy/power industry, including experience in a consulting ...

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All JobsEconomic Developer JobsEconomic Developer Jobs in Illinois

Economic Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$64

$98

How much do economic developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for economic developer in Illinois is $64.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.71 and $83.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic developer?

Economic Developers are professionals who work to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in a community or region. They do this by attracting new businesses, supporting existing companies, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Their responsibilities often include planning and managing development projects, securing funding, and collaborating with government agencies, businesses, and community groups. Economic Developers play a vital role in shaping the economic future of the areas they serve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Developer, you need a solid background in economics, business administration, or urban planning, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in public or private sector development. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and economic modeling software, as well as certifications like CEcD (Certified Economic Developer), are typically valuable. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for crafting effective development strategies, securing investments, and fostering sustainable economic growth within communities.

What are some common challenges economic developers face when working with local businesses and government agencies?

Economic Developers often work at the intersection of public and private interests, which can present challenges such as aligning the goals of local businesses with municipal regulations or community needs. Navigating complex approval processes, securing funding, and balancing economic growth with sustainable development are frequent hurdles. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as the role requires ongoing collaboration with government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to create win-win solutions.

What is the difference between Economic Developer vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic DeveloperUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, business, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; planning certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on attracting and retaining businesses, job creation, economic growthFocuses on land use, zoning, community development, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, Economic Developers primarily focus on economic growth and business attraction, whereas Urban Planners concentrate on land use and community development. They often collaborate but serve different core functions within urban development projects.

How much do economic developers make?

Economic developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized roles can pay over $100,000, especially in larger organizations or regions with a high cost of living. The role often requires strong communication, project management skills, and knowledge of economic development tools and policies.

What are popular job titles related to Economic Developer jobs in Illinois?

For Economic Developer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Economic Developer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Economic Developer jobs in Illinois are:

Economic Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Developer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,367 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

Meta

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Complete and present reports on property and portfolio performance related to budget, benchmarks, and goals.

  • Interface with internal teams to gather data, analyze investment and employment data, and ensure compliance with economic development programs and tax laws.

  • Build and maintain cost models comparing taxes and incentives, and support site selection efforts through cross-functional collaboration.

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 247 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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