2026 Economic Development Salary & Job Description Report

The Gold Standard for Economic Development Excellence in Colorado

The EDCC is committed to advancing the standards of our industry. To build sustainable programs, you need more than just a vision—you need the right people, compensated fairly and positioned for success. This report serves as a bridge between organizational needs and professional aspirations.

Why It Matters for Employers

As an employer, your economic development program is only as strong as the talent leading it. This report provides the objective data needed to make high-stakes HR decisions with confidence.

• Design competitive compensation by using specific Metro vs. Rural data to ensure your total compensation packages are attractive enough to win the war for top-tier talent.
• Streamline recruitment by accessing standardized job description templates that define the exact skill sets and requirements needed for modern economic development roles.
• Budget with precision by using real-world benchmarks to dictate recruitment budgets, making the hiring process smoother and more transparent for boards and stakeholders.
• Ensure sustainability by properly funding and structuring your roles to help reduce turnover and build a resilient foundation for your community’s economic future.

Why It Matters for Practitioners

For the professional in the field, this report is more than a data set—it is a roadmap for your career and a vital tool for self-advocacy.

• Map Your Career Pathway: Clearly see the trajectory from entry-level to leadership. This report helps you visualize the next step in your Colorado economic development career.
• Identify Growth Opportunities: Pinpoint the specific professional development and skill sets required to move to the next level. Use these benchmarks to identify gaps in your expertise and advocate for the training you need to bridge them.
• Standardize Your Professional Identity: Gain a clear understanding of industry-standard job requirements and the specific competencies that define "top talent" in today’s market.
• Benchmarking and Benefits: Get an inside look at what peers are earning across the state and what modern benefit packages look like, from health coverage to professional development stipends.
• Advocate for Your Success: Use objective, EDCC-vetted data to lead productive conversations with your employer about your role’s structure, compensation, and your future within the organization.

Investing in qualified professionals is an investment in the sustainability of your community’s future. Whether you are building a team or building your career, download the toolkit today to lead with data and elevate the standard of excellence in Colorado.