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Real Estate Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

InSite Real Estate LLC

REAL ESTATE MANAGER

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Highland Holdings

Vice President, Real Estate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

Our portfolio spans retail strip centers, gas stations, QSRs, and large-scale mixed-use developments. We're not your typical real estate investment firm. We're strategic operators, acquiring ...

Forestar

Real Estate Analyst-FG

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Forestar Group Inc. is a residential lot development company focused on delivering desirable ... Forestar Group is currently looking for a Real Estate Analyst-FG . The right candidate will work ...

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All JobsReal Estate Development JobsReal Estate Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Real Estate Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$56.1K

$105.4K

$166.9K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development in Chicago, IL is $105,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Real Estate Development jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Real Estate Development job openings:
Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,354 per year, or $50.7 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 6 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.