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Economic Development Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Economic Development Manager Responsibilities: * Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual ... Gather and analyze investment and employment related data to drive decisions for future site ...

Development Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in development finance and energy, an analytical ... Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy, economics, finance, or a related field

Development Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in development finance and energy, an analytical ... Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy, economics, finance, or a related field

Development Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in development finance and energy, an analytical ... Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, energy, economics, finance, or a related field

The Category Development Analyst will support the National Accounts team by providing analytical ... Bachelor's degree in data analysis, data science, business administration, economics, statistics ...

Economic Vitality Administrator

Oak Park, IL

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

... analysis; negotiation and administration of development agreements; business recruitment, expansion ... The Economic Vitality Administrator coordinates assigned activities with other Village departments ...

... Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, or other quantitative field. • ideally 1-5 years of relevant ... analytical skills with experience analyzing large datasets • Understanding of financial ...

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Showing results 1-20

Economic Development Analyst information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32K

$75.5K

$134K

How much do economic development analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development analyst in Chicago, IL is $75,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,100.00 and $89,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Analyst, you need strong skills in economic research, data analysis, and report writing, typically supported by a degree in economics, urban planning, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), GIS tools, and economic modeling systems is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities help analysts present findings and collaborate with public and private partners. These skills are essential for providing actionable insights and supporting policies that drive sustainable regional growth.

What does an Economic Development Analyst do?

An Economic Development Analyst researches and evaluates economic data to help governments, organizations, or communities make informed decisions about growth and development strategies. They analyze trends, assess the impact of proposed projects, and identify opportunities to stimulate local economies. Their work supports policy-making, investment decisions, and community planning with the goal of promoting sustainable economic growth and job creation.

What is the difference between Economic Development Analyst vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic Development AnalystUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related field; often some certificationsBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; certifications like AICP
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and development projectsFocuses on land use, zoning, community development, and spatial planning

While both roles involve planning and development, Economic Development Analysts primarily focus on economic growth strategies and business development, whereas Urban Planners concentrate on land use, zoning, and community design. Both roles often collaborate but serve different aspects of community and economic growth.

What does an economic analyst do?

An economic analyst researches and analyzes economic data to identify trends, assess economic conditions, and support decision-making for businesses or government agencies. They often use statistical tools and economic models to prepare reports and provide insights that inform policy or strategic planning.

How much does an economic development specialist make?

The average salary for an economic development specialist is around $70,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals in this role often have skills in data analysis, project management, and community engagement, and may work for government agencies or economic development organizations.

What are some common challenges Economic Development Analysts face when working with local governments or community stakeholders?

Economic Development Analysts often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse interests of local governments, businesses, and community members. Navigating conflicting priorities—such as economic growth versus environmental concerns—can require strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, analysts must frequently interpret complex data to make recommendations that align with long-term strategic plans, sometimes with limited resources or tight deadlines. Building positive relationships with stakeholders and staying adaptable are key to overcoming these obstacles.

How much do economic analysts make in the US?

Economic analysts in the United States typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts or those in senior roles can earn higher compensation, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What is an economic development analyst?

An economic development analyst is a professional who evaluates economic data, analyzes trends, and develops strategies to promote economic growth and development within a community or region. They often use tools like GIS and statistical software and may collaborate with government agencies, businesses, and stakeholders to support policy decisions and project planning.
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Economic Development Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL? For Economic Development Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Analyst job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,529 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Economic Development Manager

Meta

Chicago, IL

$154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 241 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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