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Real Estate Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

InSite Real Estate LLC

REAL ESTATE MANAGER

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

InSite Real Estate is seeking an Entry Level Real Estate Manager to join our Property Search Team. InSite is a quality-driven, growth-centered real estate development company committed to helping our ...

Miller Chicago Real Estate

Real Estate Broker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $100K/yr

You will gain exposure to all types of real estate transactions including Commercial, Residential, Development, and Property Management. This is a flexible, 100% commission position with much upside ...

Jobot

Real Estate Attorney

Chicago, IL

$225K - $325K/yr

This is an opportunity to work with a sophisticated client base that includes developers, investors, lenders, landlords, tenants, and business owners on complex real estate transactions across a ...

Scout Partners

Real Estate Attorney

Chicago, IL

$205K - $240K/yr

Work directly with business owners, investors, developers, and executive teams * Manage multiple ... Experience with real estate financing is a plus * Strong drafting, negotiation, and client-facing ...

Scout Partners

Real Estate Partner

Chicago, IL

$250K - $350K/yr

The firm represents a sophisticated client base that includes developers, investors, lenders, institutional owners, and private equity-backed real estate platforms across the country. Key ...

Jobot

Real Estate Attorney

Chicago, IL

$200K - $215K/yr

... developers, investors, lenders, owners, and institutional clients across the country. With a ... Their nationally recognized real estate practice handles a diverse range of matters involving ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL

An international law firm and one of the top 50 AmLaw firms is seeking an associate to join their Real Estate practice. Qualified applicants will have at least 3-7 years of experience to support the ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Chicago, IL

AmLaw 200 legal services provider seeks a highly-qualified Mid-level Associate to join its Real Estate team. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in commercial real ...

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All JobsReal Estate Developer JobsReal Estate Developer Jobs in Illinois

Real Estate Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$22.4K

$74.4K

$133.4K

How much do real estate developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate developer in Illinois is $74,365.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,873.00 and $94,767.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a developer do in real estate?

A real estate developer manages the process of creating new properties or renovating existing ones, overseeing tasks from site selection and financing to construction and sales. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and government agencies, often requiring project management skills and knowledge of zoning laws and market trends.

Do real estate developers make money?

Real estate developers can make significant profits by acquiring land, securing financing, and overseeing the construction and sale or leasing of properties. Their earnings depend on project success, market conditions, and their experience, with potential for high income but also substantial financial risk. Successful developers often have strong skills in project management, finance, and market analysis.

How much do top real estate developers make?

Top real estate developers can earn between $150,000 and over $1 million annually, depending on the size and success of their projects, experience, and market conditions. High-level developers often have extensive industry experience, strong networks, and may earn additional income through profit sharing or commissions.

What does a real estate developer do?

A real estate developer is responsible for overseeing the process of developing real estate projects, such as residential communities, office buildings, or shopping centers. Their work involves acquiring land, securing financing, coordinating with architects and contractors, obtaining permits, and managing the construction and marketing of the property. Real estate developers must assess market trends, manage budgets, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within scope. Their goal is to create profitable, functional, and appealing properties that meet community needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Real Estate Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Real Estate Developer, you need a solid background in finance, project management, market analysis, and knowledge of real estate law, often supported by a degree in business, finance, or real estate. Familiarity with property management software, financial modeling tools, and permitting or zoning systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, leadership, and networking abilities help drive projects forward and build key partnerships. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully managing complex development projects, mitigating risks, and maximizing returns on investment.

What is the difference between Real Estate Developer vs Real Estate Agent?

AspectReal Estate DeveloperReal Estate Agent
CredentialsTypically requires real estate, finance, or development certifications; may need state licensingRequires real estate license; licensing varies by state
Work EnvironmentWorks on project planning, financing, and construction; often in offices and on-siteWorks with clients to buy, sell, or rent properties; primarily in offices and on property sites
Industry UsageInvolved in creating and managing real estate projects from inception to completionFacilitates property transactions between buyers and sellers

While real estate developers focus on creating and managing new property projects, real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, or renting existing properties. Both roles require real estate knowledge but serve different stages of the property lifecycle.

How do I become a developer in real estate?

To become a real estate developer, you typically need a background in real estate, finance, or construction, often gained through a bachelor's degree in related fields. Gaining experience in real estate, project management, or construction is essential, along with developing strong financial analysis and negotiation skills. Some developers also pursue certifications or licenses related to real estate or construction management to enhance credibility and knowledge.

What are some common challenges faced by real estate developers during the project lifecycle?

Real estate developers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning regulations, securing project financing, coordinating with multiple stakeholders (including architects, contractors, and local authorities), and managing construction delays or budget overruns. Additionally, market fluctuations and changing consumer preferences can impact project viability and profitability. Successful developers proactively address these challenges through careful planning, risk management, and strong communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Developer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Real Estate Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Developer jobs in Illinois? For Real Estate Developer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Developer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Real Estate Developer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Real Estate Developer job openings:
Real Estate Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Developer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,365 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

REAL ESTATE MANAGER

InSite Real Estate LLC

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Ready to build your career at one of the nation’s leading real estate development companies? InSite Real Estate is seeking an Entry Level Real Estate Manager to join our Property Search Team. InSite is a quality-driven, growth-centered real estate development company committed to helping our employees excel through challenging but rewarding projects, competitive benefits, and charting their own career paths.

Who We Are

InSite Real Estate is a nationally recognized commercial real estate development company based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Since our founding in 1988, InSite Real Estate has completed over 650 industrial, office, and retail projects in over 45 states across the nation. Throughout our decades of experience developing, owning, and operating tenant-driven investment property, we have worked on projects ranging from 2,000 SF to 2.6 million SF in size, and $1 million to $250 million in value.

Our commitment to quality, integrity, and the growth of each of our employees makes InSite Real Estate an ideal place to accelerate your career. At InSite, we believe that individual growth and satisfaction lead to company growth, and we are committed to our employees’ success and professional development. InSite’s fast-paced, collaborative, and fun company culture makes it a great place to work, and as one of the nation’s leading real estate development companies, InSite is a financially strong, stable, and reliable employer.

Primary Responsibilities

Job Description

Ready to build your career at one of the nation’s leading real estate development companies? InSite Real Estate is seeking an Entry Level Real Estate Manager to join our Property Search Team. InSite is a quality-driven, growth-centered real estate development company committed to helping our employees excel through challenging but rewarding projects, competitive benefits, and charting their own career paths.

Who We Are

InSite Real Estate is a nationally recognized commercial real estate development company based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Since our founding in 1988, InSite Real Estate has completed over 650 industrial, office, and retail projects in over 45 states across the nation. Throughout our decades of experience developing, owning, and operating tenant-driven investment property, we have worked on projects ranging from 2,000 SF to 2.6 million SF in size, and $1 million to $250 million in value.

Our commitment to quality, integrity, and the growth of each of our employees makes InSite Real Estate an ideal place to accelerate your career. At InSite, we believe that individual growth and satisfaction lead to company growth, and we are committed to our employees’ success and professional development. InSite’s fast-paced, collaborative, and fun company culture makes it a great place to work, and as one of the nation’s leading real estate development companies, InSite is a financially strong, stable, and reliable employer.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and implement targeted solicitation to prospective sellers (property owners), including mail campaigns
  • Travel to markets nationwide to source and evaluate development sites for our clients
  • Prepare detailed site and market analysis and help prepare documents, site plans and budgets related to transactions
  • Prepare aerial maps, photos and parcel plans illustrating location, accessibility, traffic volume, transaction activity and history, and site opportunities in the market
  • In addition to working with Real Estate Managers, Senior Directors and Managing Directors within our Retail Property Team, you will interact independently with property owners, municipal officials, real estate brokers and prospective retail clients

Qualifications

  • College degree required
  • Instruction in real estate, finance and/or business is desired
  • Microsoft Office skills required
  • Microsoft Dynamics® CRM, LandVision™ CRE, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, CoStar, Google Earth and digital mapping skills are a plus
  • Excellent organization and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently within a corporate structure
  • Ability to travel overnight routinely
  • Valid driver’s license

Benefits

  • Generous paid vacation and sick time.
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance (short and long term).
  • 401(k) plan with 5% match and immediate vesting.
  • Voluntary benefit offerings: critical illness, accident insurance, hospital stay and pet insurance.
  • Flexible spending accounts including dependent care.
  • Fitness center on-site & discount membership to Lifetime Oakbrook.
  • Company-paid cell phone.
  • Personal financial planning services.
  • Exciting and collaborative culture.
  • Limitless opportunities for professional growth.