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Economic Development Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Economic Development Consultant

$94K - $119K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Economic Development Consultant to support regional economic-development, site-readiness, expansion-readiness, and strategic-planning engagements for public agencies and ...

Coordinates the work of contractors, consultants, and partner organizations supporting economic development programs and projects. * Provides direction and establishes expectations for contractors ...

$103K/yr

Coordinates the work of contractors, consultants, and partner organizations supporting economic development programs and projects. * Provides direction and establishes expectations for contractors ...

Assists in managing, facilitating, and monitoring third-party consultants engaged in business ... Analyzes data related to economic development outcomes, incentive compliance, and program ...

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Economic Development Consultant information

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$44.5K

$78.6K

$112.5K

How much do economic development consultant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development consultant in the United States is $78,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an economic development consultant do?

An Economic Development Consultant helps communities, government agencies, and private organizations design and implement strategies to stimulate economic growth. Their work often involves analyzing local economies, identifying opportunities for development, advising on policy, and facilitating investment or business attraction. They may also help secure funding and develop programs to support job creation and improve quality of life. Their expertise is crucial for revitalizing regions, attracting new industries, and ensuring sustainable long-term growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development consultant?

To thrive as an Economic Development Consultant, you need strong analytical abilities, a solid understanding of economic principles, and typically a degree in economics, business, or public administration. Familiarity with data analysis tools, economic modeling software, and knowledge of government grant programs are commonly required. Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills help build consensus and drive initiatives forward. These skills are essential for designing effective strategies, securing funding, and fostering sustainable economic growth in communities.

What are some common challenges economic development consultants face when working with local governments or community stakeholders?

Economic Development Consultants often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse stakeholder interests, navigating complex regulatory environments, and managing expectations regarding project timelines and outcomes. Building consensus among community members, business leaders, and government officials can require strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, consultants may need to adapt strategies to fit the unique economic and cultural context of each locality, ensuring that development plans are both feasible and sustainable.

Are economic development consultants in demand?

Economic development consultants are in demand as governments and organizations seek to improve local economies, attract investment, and create jobs. The role often requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of economic policies, and experience with data analysis tools, making it a stable career choice in the public and private sectors.
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Cities with the most Economic Development Consultant job openings:

What states have the most Economic Development Consultant jobs?

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Infographic showing various Economic Development Consultant job openings in the United States 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 $78,627 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Senior Economic Development Consultant

Remote

$94K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Senior Economic Development Consultant to support regional economic-development, site-readiness, expansion-readiness, and strategic-planning engagements for public agencies and regional organizations.
The consultant will help clients assess their competitive position, evaluate industrial and commercial sites, identify barriers to investment, and develop practical strategies for attracting and retaining employers. The ideal candidate has experience working with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, state commerce agencies, regional planning organizations, economic-development authorities, or site-selection initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead or support economic-development strategy and implementation projects.
  • Conduct regional economic, industry, labor-market, and demographic analyses.
  • Assess community and regional readiness for business attraction, expansion, and retention.
  • Evaluate industrial and commercial sites for infrastructure, workforce, transportation, utility, zoning, and development readiness.
  • Develop site-readiness and expansion-readiness frameworks.
  • Identify target industries based on regional assets, workforce capabilities, supply chains, and market conditions.
  • Conduct stakeholder interviews and facilitate sessions with employers, government agencies, utilities, educational institutions, and community partners.
  • Develop recommendations related to infrastructure, workforce, incentives, permitting, business climate, and regional competitiveness.
  • Support EDA-funded planning, implementation, and technical-assistance projects.
  • Prepare clear reports, implementation roadmaps, presentations, and executive summaries.
  • Contribute technical narratives, methodologies, work plans, and qualifications to government proposals.
  • Present findings to public officials, boards, economic-development organizations, and community stakeholders.

Requirements
  • Seven or more years of experience in economic development, regional planning, site selection, or business attraction and retention.
  • Experience working with government agencies, economic-development organizations, or regional planning entities.
  • Demonstrated experience with site-readiness, expansion-readiness, or economic-development strategy projects.
  • Strong understanding of business-location factors, including workforce, infrastructure, utilities, transportation, real estate, and permitting.
  • Experience analyzing economic, demographic, industry, and labor-market data.
  • Strong stakeholder-engagement, facilitation, report-writing, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to convert research findings into actionable economic-development recommendations.