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Economic Developer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ruby Devloper

New York, IA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Mentor junior engineers on software development best practices * REQUIREMENTS: * BS/MS in Computer ... econometric analysis, and pricing best practices o Collaborates with Food & Beverage Chief ...

Ruby Devloper

New York, IA · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Mentor junior engineers on software development best practices REQUIREMENTS: * BS/MS in Computer ... econometric analysis, and pricing best practices o Collaborates with Food & Beverage Chief ...

Senior Project Engineer

Denison, IA

$92K - $120K/yr

Proficient in engineering economics. * Proficient in AutoCAD. * Ability to travel to other locations. (50% of the time). * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. * Excellent written and oral ...

Senior Project Engineer

Denison, IA

$92K - $120K/yr

Proficient in engineering economics. * Proficient in AutoCAD. * Ability to travel to other locations. (50% of the time). * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. * Excellent written and oral ...

Transportation Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$75K - $100K/yr

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to ...

Transportation Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to ...

Transportation Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to ...

Senior Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Your Role at BSI Our Process Engineers are responsible for designing safe and economic methods for clients to convert raw feed to modified products. The typical process ...

Civil Engineer in Training

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$61K - $71K/yr

The result: vibrant economic centers, resilient neighborhoods, and welcoming places that feel like ... Your Opportunity As a Civil Engineer in Training in our Community Development Group, you will have ...

Proficient in engineering economics. Proficient in AutoCAD. Ability to travel to other locations. (50% of the time). Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent written and oral communication ...

Senior Project Engineer

Denison, IA · On-site

$92K - $120K/yr

Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable. · Proficient in engineering economics. · Proficient in AutoCAD. · Ability to travel to other ...

Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable. • Proficient in engineering economics. • Proficient in AutoCAD. • Ability to travel to other ...

Previous experience in the management of multi-million-dollar projects with large scopes, desirable. · Proficient in engineering economics. · Proficient in AutoCAD. · Ability to travel to other ...

Sr Manager, FP&A

West Des Moines, IA

$107K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Economics, Engineering, Statistics, Accounting, or a related quantitative field. * ASA, FSA, CFA, MBA, CPA, or advanced quantitative ...

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Economic Developer information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$62

$95

How much do economic developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for economic developer in Iowa is $62.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.37 and $80.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of economic development, high-level executive roles such as Chief Economic Officer or Chief Development Officer can reach or exceed $1 million annually, especially in large organizations or government agencies. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills. Other highly compensated roles in related fields may include successful entrepreneurs or investors, but such earnings are less common and often depend on business performance and market conditions.

What does an economic developer do?

An economic developer works to improve the economic well-being of a community by attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and creating jobs. They analyze economic data, develop strategic plans, and collaborate with government, businesses, and community stakeholders to promote growth and development.

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of economic development, senior roles such as Chief Economic Development Officer or Director can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $400,000 annually, especially in large organizations or high-cost regions. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, often supplemented by performance-based bonuses and benefits.

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 are Economic Developers?

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 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.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An economic developer typically earns less than $10,000 a month without a degree, as this role usually requires specialized education or experience. However, some high-paying sales, real estate, or entrepreneurial roles can reach or exceed this income level through commissions, business ownership, or self-employment, often requiring strong skills, networking, and industry knowledge.

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 popular job titles related to Economic Developer jobs in Iowa? For Economic Developer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Economic Developer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,241 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Healthy Hometowns Health Economist

Healthy Hometowns Health Economist

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$81K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Compliance, Bureau of Data Privacy and Strategy is seeking a health economist to join our team. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a skilled health economist to serve as the Health Economist for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Rural Health Transformation Program, opportunity #: CMS-RHT-26-001, also known as Iowa's Healthy Hometowns. This position will work with the Iowa HHS Health Economist and will work collaboratively across all divisions within HHS to analyze and evaluate the rural Iowa healthcare system, including policies, reimbursement rates, access to healthcare, and health outcomes.

The ideal candidate should be able to work confidently and independently with a number of agency datasets, statistical tools, and software. This position will have the following responsibilities: Serve as a health economist for the Healthy Hometowns project. Analyze and evaluate Iowa's implementation of their Rural Health Transformation Plan, including transformations of the rural healthcare system, policies, reimbursement rates, access to healthcare, and health outcomes.

Review public health and human services interventions used for rural Iowa and provide assessments of the cost effectiveness of varying policies and programs. Apply economic principals to determine the most efficient and cost effective ways to provide healthcare in rural Iowa and public health services to Iowans living and working in rural Iowa counties. Identify how healthcare resources are allocated across rural Iowa, including determining the appropriate allocation of doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychiatrists, psychologists, obstetricians, and other medical professionals throughout the state to ensure optimal access to care.

Perform predictive analytics to assess how this allocation and these resources need to change over time. Conduct statistical research to analyze the short and long term impacts of the Healthy Hometowns initiatives on rural healthcare resource needs, healthcare professional allocation needs, and the impacts of these on the health outcomes of Iowans. Determine needs for the distribution of healthcare professionals across the state based on specialty.

Understand the interrelationships between economics and biostatistics, epidemiology, public health and disease modeling. Based on this knowledge, produce data driven research regarding health services, systems and interventions. Use advanced math and computer skills to create analytical and statistical models with complex software programs using Iowa HHS and large publicly available datasets.

Use economic theories to predict public and organizational responses to policy changes and incentives. Provide detailed input for econometric analyses of policy changes and interpret the statistical results. Recognize patterns in data and conduct predictive analytics to plan for future healthcare needs of rural Iowans.

Recommend policy changes based on these analyses. Apply economic theories of consumer and provider choice to understand the behavior of individuals, health care providers, public and private organizations, and governments in decision-making. Monitor changing requirements for health economic data relating to the health care system, specifically concerning health promotion and protection through participation in national meetings Recommends priorities for economic evaluations and policy assessments of healthcare and public health activities including strategies, programs, and process.

Provides economic guidance and expertise on the health and economic consequences of alternative programs, policies, and legislative proposals affecting healthcare and public health programming Authors manuscripts or technical reports reflecting the results of analysis projects and studies. Deliver presentations of results. Determine how changes in provider allocation across the state impacts health outcomes.

Benefits Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth: Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage. Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).

Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month). Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind

Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges. Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator. Background Checks Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply.

Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD). E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: NOTE: You may attach an Unofficial Transcript to verify degree and coursework 1) Seven years of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science

2) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management, and experience equal to three years of full-time (as described in number one). NOTE: Only degrees listed are valid. NOTE: You may attach an Unofficial Transcript to verify degree and coursework 3) All of the following (a, b, and c): a.

One year of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science; and b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience; and c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience.

NOTE: You may attach an Unofficial Transcript to verify degree and coursework 4) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. One year of full-time work experience business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science; and b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and c.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management. NOTE: You may attach an Unofficial Transcript to verify degree and coursework 5) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. Three years of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science; and b.

A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and c. Possession of a professional certificate in data science, business analytics, or data analytics. NOTE: Copies of the certificate are required 6) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes six months of full-time work as a Data Analyst 2.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939