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Real Estate Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This candidate will perform transactional work as assigned, including drafting and negotiation of documents relating to the full spectrum of commercial real estate transactions, including development ...

Shareholder - Real Estate

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$275K - $400K/yr

Advise clients on commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, development, and investment transactions. * Structure, negotiate, and document sophisticated purchase and sale ...

New

Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Development Manager- Senior Living Department: Evergreen Senior Living (ESL) Reports To: VP of ... Exempt Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000 + 10% bonus potential Job Summary Evergreen Real Estate ...

New

Development Project Manager

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a real estate development professional to take ownership of complex commercial development projects from due diligence through completion. As an established ...

New

Development Project Manager

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a real estate development professional to take ownership of complex commercial development projects from due diligence through completion. As an established ...

New

Development Project Manager

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a real estate development professional to take ownership of complex commercial development projects from due diligence through completion. As an established ...

New

Real Estate Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Professional development opportunities Responsibilities * Coordinate real estate transactions from due diligence through closing * Review titles, surveys, and transaction-related documentation

Real Estate Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Commercial Real Estate Paralegal will assist attorneys in handling a broad range of commercial real estate transactions in connection with acquisitions, leases, development projects, dispositions ...

New

Real Estate Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

Expect to immerse yourself in various dimensions of a rapidly expanding enterprise, encompassing airport and military development, real estate franchising, and an array of other ventures. FOCUS ...

Expect to immerse yourself in various dimensions of a rapidly expanding enterprise, encompassing airport and military development, real estate franchising, and an array of other ventures. FOCUS ...

Real Estate Paralegal

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Professional development opportunities Responsibilities * Coordinate real estate transactions from due diligence through closing * Review titles, surveys, and transaction-related documentation

Showing results 41-60

Real Estate Development information

See Illinois salary details

$52.8K

$99.1K

$157K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development in Illinois is $99,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is real estate development?

Real estate development is the process of creating new buildings or renovating existing properties for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. It involves tasks such as acquiring land, securing financing, obtaining permits, overseeing construction, and managing the eventual sale or lease of the property. Developers coordinate with architects, contractors, government agencies, and investors throughout each stage of a project. The goal is to transform raw land or underutilized properties into valuable assets that meet market demand.

What are the qualifications to get a job in real estate development?

The qualifications to get a job in real estate development vary depending on your responsibilities. For investment and development jobs, the most important thing is money, whether it is from personal wealth or investors. Some developers work specifically with municipal governments or community organizations. If you seek investors, you need to have strong financial skills, good negotiation and presentation tactics, and strategic vision. To become a construction or design worker in real estate development, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or credentials from an apprenticeship and several years of work as a commercial or residential contractor. Marketing professionals need a background in PR or real estate.

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 strong project management, financial analysis, and market research skills, often supported by a degree in real estate, business, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software, CAD tools, and zoning or permitting systems is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities set top developers apart. These skills are crucial for successfully managing complex projects, securing investment, and navigating regulatory environments to deliver profitable developments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in real estate development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in real estate development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning regulations, securing project financing, and coordinating with a diverse group of stakeholders including architects, contractors, and government agencies. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong project management skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building a network of reliable partners and staying informed about local market trends can also help mitigate risks and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development vs Real Estate Brokerage?

AspectReal Estate DevelopmentReal Estate Brokerage
Required CredentialsReal estate license, possibly a degree in real estate, finance, or urban planningReal estate license, sales certification
Work EnvironmentProject sites, offices, planning meetingsReal estate offices, property showings, client meetings
Industry UsageInvolved in planning, financing, and constructing new propertiesFacilitates property sales and leasing between buyers and sellers

Real estate development focuses on creating new properties from planning to construction, while real estate brokerage centers on selling and leasing existing properties. Both roles require real estate licenses but differ significantly in daily activities and project involvement.

Do real estate developers make a lot of money?

Real estate developers can earn high incomes, especially when managing large projects or successful developments, but earnings vary widely based on experience, project size, location, and market conditions. Successful developers often require strong financial skills, market knowledge, and access to capital. Income potential increases with experience and a proven track record in the industry.

Is real estate development a good career?

Real estate development is a viable career that involves managing the planning, financing, and construction of property projects. Success requires strong project management skills, knowledge of market trends, and often a background in finance, architecture, or urban planning. It can be financially rewarding but also involves significant risk and long-term commitment.

What exactly do real estate developers do?

Real estate developers plan, design, and oversee the development of new properties or the renovation of existing ones, including residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and government agencies, secure financing, and manage project timelines to bring developments from concept to completion.

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Real Estate Development jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Real Estate Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,103 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Real Estate Associate

5 Legal

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

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 estate transactions. This candidate will perform transactional work as assigned, including drafting and negotiation of documents relating to the full spectrum of commercial real estate transactions, including development, purchases and sales, real estate secured loans, modification and workout documents, leasing, as well as related due diligence work, including title and survey review, and closing these and other real estate transactions.