Economic Development Analyst

Career Guide

An Economic Development Analyst supports efforts to grow local or regional economies. They research industry trends, track job and business growth, evaluate development programs, and turn data into clear recommendations for public agencies, nonprofits, and partners.

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Key Responsibilities

Collect and analyze data on jobs, wages, business activity, and population trends
Build reports and dashboards that track economic performance and program results
Assess the potential impact of proposed developments and policy changes
Support grant applications with research, budgets, and performance metrics
Map economic assets such as major employers, workforce skills, and infrastructure
Conduct stakeholder interviews with businesses, community groups, and public agencies
Write clear briefings and presentations for leaders and public meetings
Maintain data sources, documentation, and quality checks
Coordinate with planning, housing, transportation, and workforce partners on shared initiatives

Top Skills for Success

Data Analysis

Research

Report Writing

Presentation Skills

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Economic Indicators

Program Evaluation

Impact Assessment

Grant Writing Support

Workforce Development Knowledge

Public Policy Literacy

Government Budget Fundamentals

Geospatial Analysis

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Economic Development Analyst

Economic Development Manager Economic Development Program Manager Economic Development Director Policy Analyst

Workforce Development Manager

Urban Planner

Transition Opportunities

Business Intelligence Analyst Data Analyst Strategy Analyst Management Consultant Real Estate Development Analyst

Public Sector Program Evaluator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Program EvaluationImpact AssessmentGeospatial AnalysisGrant Compliance TrackingDashboard DevelopmentFacilitation

Development SuggestionsBuild a small portfolio that includes one regional trend report, one program results dashboard, and one mapped analysis. Practice turning findings into a one page executive summary with clear recommendations. Strengthen comfort with public data sources and basic evaluation methods used in government programs.

Market Intelligence Report

Economic Development Analyst is part of the Intelligence Analysis category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 55,000 to 75,000

Mid LevelUSD 75,000 to 100,000

Senior LevelUSD 100,000 to 130,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, especially in city and county government, regional development organizations, and consulting. Hiring increases around infrastructure investment, downtown revitalization, workforce initiatives, and grant funded programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

City governmentCounty governmentState economic development agenciesRegional planning agenciesEconomic development corporationsChambers of commerceWorkforce development boardsUniversitiesPublic policy research institutesConsulting firms focused on public sector workCommunity development financial institutions

Industry Sectors

Public sectorNonprofitConsultingHigher educationFinanceReal estate and community development

Recommended Next Steps

Create a sample economic profile for a city or county using public data and publish it as a short report

Build a simple dashboard that tracks jobs, wages, and business openings over time

Learn one mapping tool and complete a project that visualizes commute patterns or industry clusters

Take a short course in program evaluation and performance measurement

Interview local economic development staff to understand current priorities and pain points

Tailor your resume to highlight measurable outcomes, clear writing, and experience working with stakeholders