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Real Estate Development Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Milwaukee, WI

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 ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Madison, WI

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 ...

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Madison, WI

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in general real estate transactional matters, such as leasing and purchase/sale transactions, real estate finance and/or development incentives.

5 Legal

Real Estate Associate

Milwaukee, WI

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in general real estate transactional matters, such as leasing and purchase/sale transactions, real estate finance and/or development incentives.

PLACE

Real Estate Agent

De Pere, WI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

... your development. Bring your dedication and enthusiasm, and we'll support you throughout your ... Team player * Licensed real estate professional * 3+ years' of real estate sales experience

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All JobsReal Estate Development JobsReal Estate Development Jobs in Wisconsin

Real Estate Development information

See Wisconsin salary details

$55K

$103.2K

$163.5K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development in Wisconsin is $103,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $129,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 high risk and long-term commitment.

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 highest paying jobs for real estate developers?

High-paying roles for professionals in real estate development include senior positions such as Development Director, Vice President of Development, and Chief Development Officer, which often require extensive experience, strong project management skills, and industry connections. These roles typically offer salaries ranging from six to seven figures, especially in large firms or high-value projects. Additional certifications like CCIM or CPM can enhance earning potential in this field.

What does a developer do in real estate?

A real estate developer manages the process of transforming land or properties into new developments or improvements. They oversee project planning, financing, permits, and construction, coordinating with architects, contractors, and government agencies to bring a project from concept to completion.

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 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 can I do with a real estate development degree?

A degree in real estate development prepares individuals for roles such as real estate developer, project manager, or urban planner. Graduates can work on property acquisition, project financing, site planning, and construction management, often utilizing skills in finance, negotiation, and market analysis.

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.

More about Real Estate Development jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin? For Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Real Estate Development jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Real Estate Development job openings:
Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,228 per year, or $49.6 per hour.
Development Director (Real Estate)

Development Director (Real Estate)

C.D. Smith Construction, Inc.

Fond Du Lac, WI • On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
C.D. Smith Construction is seeking a Development Manager or Director to lead and grow our real estate development pipeline-from site sourcing and acquisition through entitlements, financing, and disposition. This executive role partners closely with company leadership to shape development strategy, evaluate opportunities through rigorous financial analysis, and build strong relationships with investors, public agencies, and external partners. Construction oversight is not a requirement for this position.
This position will be based in one of our Wisconsin offices: Milwaukee, Madison, or Fond du Lac, with travel as needed to support pursuits and projects throughout the United States.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Strategic vision: Help analyze and define long-term development strategy, identify emerging market opportunities, and set tactical objectives for the real estate department.
• Acquisition & feasibility: Lead the sourcing of new sites and conduct thorough financial analysis, including pro-forma modeling and risk assessments, to determine project viability.
• Entitlements & approvals: Manage the entitlement process, including public approvals, zoning actions, and permitting with governing bodies.
• Financial management: Secure project financing through lenders or investors, manage capital budgets, and monitor expenditures to prevent cost overruns.
• Stakeholder management: Build and maintain relationships with key partners, including architects, public officials, lenders/investors, and other stakeholders.
• Operational leadership: Mentor internal development team members, establish goals, and drive accountability.
• Asset/portfolio management: Support management of existing assets/LLC structures and coordinate with accounting on reporting and ongoing administration.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field required. Master's degree (MBA or MSRE) preferred.
• Experience: 4-10+ years of progressive experience in real estate development with a demonstrated record of sourcing, underwriting, entitling, financing, and executing successful projects.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Negotiation: Critical for closing land deals, securing favorable construction contracts, and finalizing lease agreements.
• Financial Acumen: Deep knowledge of real estate finance, accounting, and tax laws to manage complex investment structures.
• Regulatory Expertise: Thorough understanding of local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental standards.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to interpret market data and demographic trends to design projects that meet future demand.

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