Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are booming.
Yet—
How many of us truly know what careers lie behind those big investment returns?
From analysts crunching numbers to property managers overseeing high-stakes deals, REITs offer some of the highest-paying roles in real estate. Curious to see if one might be for you?
Let’s dive into the top-paying jobs in REITs and what makes them so rewarding.
Top-Paying Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Average Salary: $200,000 – $500,000
The CEO holds the highest responsibility in a REIT, steering the company’s overall strategy and vision. They make pivotal decisions about acquisitions, investment direction, and company growth initiatives. CEOs work closely with the board of directors to set long-term goals, ensuring the REIT remains profitable and competitive. They’re also highly involved in managing relationships with investors and stakeholders, aiming to maximize shareholder value.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Average Salary: $180,000 – $400,000
A CFO in a REIT is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects, including budgeting, financial planning, and investment strategy. They ensure the REIT’s financial health, make data-driven decisions on asset management, and minimize financial risks.
3. Real Estate Investment Portfolio Manager
Average Salary: $120,000 – $250,000
Portfolio Managers oversee a REIT’s property portfolio, deciding on acquisitions, sales, and investment strategies to grow the fund’s value. They conduct in-depth market research to predict future property performance, making data-driven decisions to optimize returns. Their role involves close collaboration with analysts and other stakeholders to assess potential investments.
4. Vice President of Acquisitions
Average Salary: $130,000 – $240,000
The VP of Acquisitions leads the identification and purchase of high-value properties to grow the REIT’s portfolio. This role involves scouting prime investment opportunities, conducting market analysis, and negotiating property deals.
5. Asset Manager
Average Salary: $110,000 – $200,000
Asset Managers are tasked with overseeing individual properties or groups of properties within the REIT’s portfolio. They focus on maximizing property value through leasing strategies, tenant relationships, and operational efficiency. They regularly analyze performance metrics to ensure each property meets financial targets.
6. Director of Property Management
Average Salary: $100,000 – $180,000
Directors of Property Management supervise all property management activities, overseeing teams that handle tenant relations, maintenance, and operations. Their role ensures smooth daily operations, tenant satisfaction, and high occupancy rates. They collaborate with marketing and leasing teams to attract new tenants and renew leases.
7. Real Estate Development Manager
Average Salary: $95,000 – $160,000
Development Managers lead property development projects, from planning to execution, for new or redeveloped assets. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and government agencies, ensuring all projects meet timelines and budgets. Their responsibilities include managing project risks, negotiating contracts, and addressing zoning and regulatory requirements.
8. Real Estate Analyst
Average Salary: $80,000 – $150,000
Real Estate Analysts support investment decisions by conducting detailed financial and market analyses. They research market trends, assess property values, and develop financial models to predict property performance. They provide critical insights that guide acquisition, sales, and portfolio management decisions.
9. Financial Analyst
Average Salary: $70,000 – $130,000
Financial Analysts in REITs manage the financial data that supports strategic planning and decision-making. They prepare budgets, forecast revenue, and track performance indicators to optimize asset performance. These analysts collaborate with different departments to align financial goals with operational activities.
10. Leasing Manager
Average Salary: $60,000 – $110,000
Leasing Managers focus on tenant acquisition and retention to ensure high occupancy rates for REIT properties. They negotiate lease terms, work with marketing teams to attract tenants, and handle renewals. Their efforts contribute directly to a REIT’s revenue, as they help maintain consistent income from rental properties.
11. Property Manager
Average Salary: $55,000 – $100,000
Property Managers oversee day-to-day operations at a property level, handling tenant interactions, maintenance, and lease administration. They ensure that properties remain well-maintained, address tenant issues promptly, and manage vendor contracts.
12. Operations Manager
Average Salary: $65,000 – $95,000
Operations Managers in REITs ensure that all processes run smoothly across properties or departments. They work on streamlining operational workflows, enhancing efficiency, and managing teams across different property sectors. Their role is essential for maintaining high standards in property management and operational performance, contributing to overall profitability and tenant satisfaction.
13. Acquisitions Analyst
Average Salary: $55,000 – $90,000
Acquisitions Analysts assist in evaluating potential real estate investments, performing due diligence, and preparing financial models. They research properties, analyze market trends, and create forecasts to determine investment viability.
14. Marketing Manager
Average Salary: $60,000 – $85,000
Marketing Managers in REITs design strategies to promote properties, attracting tenants and increasing property visibility. They manage advertising campaigns, oversee branding, and coordinate with leasing teams to fill vacancies. Marketing Managers play a key role in maintaining high occupancy rates and enhancing the reputation of REIT properties in the market.
15. Tenant Relations Specialist
Average Salary: $50,000 – $80,000
Tenant Relations Specialists focus on managing relationships with tenants, resolving issues, and ensuring tenant satisfaction. They handle tenant complaints, coordinate maintenance requests, and assist in lease renewals. Their role is essential for maintaining positive landlord-tenant relationships, helping reduce vacancy rates and improving tenant retention.
16. Real Estate Broker
Average Salary: $45,000 – $75,000
Real Estate Brokers facilitate transactions, assisting with buying, selling, or leasing properties within REIT portfolios. They work closely with the acquisitions and leasing teams to find prospective buyers or tenants. Brokers play an important role in streamlining property transactions, often earning commissions on successful deals.
17. Compliance Specialist
Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000
Compliance Specialists ensure REIT operations adhere to industry regulations and legal requirements. They handle audits, monitor regulatory changes, and prepare compliance reports. Their role is essential for minimizing legal risks and ensuring transparency in all transactions, protecting the REIT from potential fines or legal issues.
18. Property Appraiser
Average Salary: $45,000 – $65,000
Property Appraisers evaluate property values for REIT assets, providing accurate assessments for buying, selling, or leasing decisions. They perform on-site inspections, analyze market data, and create appraisal reports. Their work helps REITs make informed investment decisions and manage property values effectively.
19. Administrative Coordinator
Average Salary: $40,000 – $60,000
Administrative Coordinators assist in organizing schedules, documents, and communications for REIT teams. They support executives by handling paperwork, scheduling meetings, and coordinating office activities. Their role helps improve team efficiency and organization, ensuring smooth operations across departments.
20. Property Maintenance Supervisor
Average Salary: $35,000 – $55,000
Property Maintenance Supervisors manage maintenance teams, ensuring properties are well-maintained and meet safety standards. They coordinate repair schedules, oversee vendors, and handle emergency maintenance requests. This role is vital for maintaining property value and ensuring tenant satisfaction, as they address property issues promptly and professionally.
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Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.
