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20 Best Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trusts

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As the old saying goes, “In real estate, location is everything.”

You may not know much about REITs, but you might want to consider one of them as a career. They’re great for people who like real estate, enjoy making money, and need consistent work hours.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies that were formed to make it easier for individuals to invest in real estate.

Want to know what the top paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts are in 2022?

Well, take a look at this list of 25 best paying jobs for real estate investment trusts and see if you can find one that sounds perfect for you. In addition, each job features information about how much each job pays, what you can expect on the job, any job training needed, and other fun facts!

If you are looking for your next career, this article will give you plenty to think about as well as potential opportunities that may be available to you.

Is real estate investment trusts a good career path? Find out the best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts (REITs). The results may surprise you. Start making more money today.

What are real estate investment trusts?

Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, have become an increasingly popular way for investors to get involved in the real estate market. REITs allow people to invest in large-scale real estate projects without having to purchase and manage the properties themselves.

In addition, REITs offer shareholders a wide range of benefits, making them a great choice for those looking to invest in this growing market.

How do real estate investment trusts work?

Picture of a spiral notebook with REIT to explain how do real estate investment trusts work.

A REIT is a type of company that owns and operates various types of real estate, and because they are exempt from corporation tax on profits generated through rental income and the sale of rental properties; They are a very attractive option for high-earners.

They pile investors’ money together and invest in various commercial real estate, which increases returns over time. In addition, REITs are generally owned by the general public, and they invest in real estate assets.

Lastly, they make a profit through investments or leasing; a return on investment is typically received as a dividend. Real estate investment trusts are similar to mutual funds in that they hold investments, distribute dividends, and pay taxes.

Is a real estate investment career good?

Animated character as an employee asking is a real estate investment career good.

Real estate investment companies are a great place to start a career in real estate.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are one of the most productive industries today. They provide steady and consistent growth, as well as good job opportunities with high salaries. Careers in real estate that can lead to better-paying jobs include appraisers and investment bankers.

Best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts

Picture of an executive holding hundred dollar bills for the best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts.

The market for REITs has grown rapidly in recent years, with the total value of REITs reaching almost $3.5 trillion by the end of 2021 (source).

There are many different jobs in the real estate investment trust industry that come with a variety of salaries. The best paying jobs are reserved for the C-level executives:

  • Chief Executive Officer: The CEO is the highest-ranking executive officer in a company and is responsible for making major decisions that affect the business. CEOs in the REIT industry earn an average salary of $468,000 per year.
  • Chief Financial Officer: The CFO is responsible for financial planning and reporting, as well as managing relationships with banks and other lenders. CFOs in the REIT industry earn an average salary of $341,000 per year.
  • Chief Operating Officer: The COO is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of a company. COOs in the REIT industry earn an average salary of $325,000 per year.

Followed by the attorney, which is one of the highest-paying professionals in real estate investment trusts.

Now, we are going to list the most lucrative jobs in REITs. Then, you can decide… is real estate investment trusts a good career path for me.

The higher paid jobs will come with more education needed and years of experience.

1. Real Estate Attorney Jobs

Real estate attorneys are in high demand for their knowledge of transactional law and contractual issues. They work on a variety of deals involving the purchase, sale, or leasing of real estate. As such, they provide critical legal support to the real estate investment trust (REIT) industry.

Real estate attorneys license in their state to practice law. They can prepare contracts, advise clients on purchases and investments, review documents, represent mortgage lenders at closing, or simply provide legal counsel without the requirement of an attorney’s license.

Consequently, real estate attorney jobs are an excellent opportunity for those looking to work in the REIT industry.

Real Estate Attorney: well over 6 figures (average)

2. Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers are typically involved in the design, construction, and marketing of properties. They are also involved in land assembly and subdivision, zoning regulation, and the establishment of building codes.

Builders are involved in all aspects of the development process, from acquiring land to constructing buildings. Promoters are responsible for finding investors and marketing completed projects. In both cases, real estate developers may work either on their own or with a team of partners.

A developer obtains land and constructs assets for sale, while also selling them off when they become old enough to be sold again.

Real Estate Developer Salary: over 6 figures (average)

3. Director of Real Estate and Facilities

The Director of Real Estate and Facilities is responsible for a variety of tasks within the department. These tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Acquiring new properties
  • Negotiating leases
  • Overseeing property management
  • Maintaining the company’s physical infrastructure
  • Developing and implementing strategic plans

A director of real estate and facilities is a key role in any company that deals with real estate investment trusts (REITs). Therefore, this position often leads to advancement opportunities, making it an excellent career choice for those interested in this growing field.

Director of Real Estate and Facilities Salary: $130,000 a year (average)

4. Director of Acquisition

Directors of acquisitions in real estate investment trusts are responsible for finding new properties to invest in for the company.

Typically, they work with their analysts to conduct due diligence on potential investments and analyze the risks and rewards involved in order to provide a recommendation to their superiors.

The acquisition team is responsible for finding investment opportunities for the company, which can be traditional real estate assets or creative ideas that can become a business. They are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative opportunities that can help bolster the company’s growth.

Director of Acquisition Salary: $125,000 a year (average)

5. Real Estate Agent

As a licensed real estate agent, you would help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. In order to become a real estate agent, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as contracts, ethics, and state laws. You would be responsible for understanding the real estate market and helping your clients make informed decisions about their property transactions.

In the case of REITs, you must be a commercial real estate agent who are in charge of dealing with important financial data. They need to know about the internal rates of return, gross rent multipliers, and capitalization rates in order to do their job effectively. In order to become a commercial real estate agent, you will need some background in business and finance. This knowledge will help you understand your client’s needs and better serve them.

Unlike most professions, the more business deals you close as a real estate agent, the better your pay is. Furthermore, many agents work on commission-based pay, so it’s important to be knowledgeable about the market and have a strong sales skill set.

Agents who are successful can make much more than this amount; however, those who are just starting out may make less until they gain experience and build a client base.

Real Estate Agent Yearly Commission: $100,000 a year (average)

6. Investor Relations Manager

An Investor Relations Manager is responsible for managing the relationship between a company and its investors. They must be able to quickly understand complex financial information and communicate it in a clear and concise way. Additionally, they are responsible for communicating the company’s financial performance and strategy to investors.

They are also responsible for updating quarterly reports on the investor’s online dashboard. This can be a high-stress job because you must keep your investors happy especially during a market downtrend.

Investor Relations Manager Salary: $100,000 a year (average)

7. Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for ensuring that a project is completed on time and within budget.

They work in teams to make sure that all aspects of the project are completed. Thus, they must have strong organizational skills. They also typically have experience in leading and coordinating teams.

This is a highly lucrative job for those building new assets for a REIT. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $187,000, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $59,000.

Project Manager Salary: $90,000 a year (average)

8. Accounting Manager

They do this by preparing financial statements, maintaining accounting records, and overseeing the work of accountants and bookkeepers. In order to qualify for this position, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, as well as several years of experience in accounting or bookkeeping.

However, with experience and expertise in the field, it is possible to earn much more than that. Those who work for real estate investment trusts (REITs) can expect to make even more money.

Accounting Manager Salary: $90,000 a year (average)

9. Asset Managers

Asset Management is a process that oversees the operational and financial work of a portfolio of assets. This includes tasks such as budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analyzing data to make sure the asset is performing well.

As they are responsible for managing the portfolio assets in the real estate investment trust (REIT), they must expect a higher stress job. In addition, their job entails working with other departments in the company, such as accounting, acquisitions, development, and finance.

Asset Managers Salary: $89,000 a year (average)

10. Construction Supervisor

A construction supervisor oversees all aspects of a construction project, ensuring that it is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard. This position requires a great deal of experience and knowledge in the field, as well as strong leadership skills.

They make sure that everything runs smoothly! Speficially, all the necessary equipment, materials, and supplies are ordered and on-site when they are needed. They also check the quality of the work as it is being done; making sure projects are constructed in accordance with contract documents, standards, codes, and policy.

In order to become a construction supervisor, you need only a high school diploma or GED. However, five years of experience in yard operations or equivalent education and experience is preferred.

Construction Supervisor Salary: $89,000 a year (average)

11. Investment Due Diligence Analyst

An investment due diligence analyst is responsible for conducting an extensive analysis of potential investments for a real estate investment trust. They work with the team to identify opportunities, underwrite deals, and make recommendations. The role is essential in helping the team make sound investment decisions that will benefit the company in the long run.

This job is a key player in the real estate investment trust (REIT) industry.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need experience with REITs or a national brokerage, as well as excellent quantitative skills including the ability to build real estate valuation models and distribution waterfalls.

Investment Due Diligence Analyst Salary: $80,000 a year (average)

12. Financial Analyst

The most common role of a financial analyst is assessing a company’s current and future financial health, which may include issuing stock recommendations, forecasting earnings, and providing risk analysis. Financial analysts may also work with investment bankers to identify new investment opportunities.

However, salaries can vary significantly depending on the size of the company, the city in which you work, and your level of experience.

Financial Analyst Salary: $80,000 a year (average)

13. Business Acquisition Analyst

An acquisitions analyst is responsible for reviewing potential investments and determining the risks and rewards associated with commercial property.

The analysis will include both macro-level information, such as the political and economic environment, as well as more fine-tuned data that is specific to the investment itself.

Many in this role have found a business degree to be well worth the cost.

Director of Acquisition Salary: $78,000 a year (average)

14. Commercial Property Manager

Property management is a growing field, as the demand for individuals who can manage both residential and commercial properties increases. The goal of property managers is to ensure assets are kept in good condition and are appealing to owners and tenants alike.

Real estate investment managers have a very important job, as they are responsible for meeting the needs of property owners, tenants, and investors.

Primarily, they oversee maintenance and repairs, collect rent, screen tenants and enforce lease agreements. They also may negotiate leases, recommend improvements to the property, and coordinate with contractors.

Commercial Property Manager Salary: $75,000 a year (average)

15. Real Estate Photography

Real Estate photography is a specialized field within the photography industry. As such, many photographers start their own businesses in this area.

In order to be successful, it’s important to have strong marketing and business skills. Your portfolio should showcase your best work and be tailored to the types of properties you will be photographing. Additionally, you may choose to offer additional services such as virtual tours or video production.

A real estate photographer would work closely with the marketing team.

Real Estate Photographer: $70,000 a year (average)

16. Marketing Coordinator

Marketing coordinators are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns.

They work with the advertising department to come up with ideas. Then, working with the rest of the company to make sure that those campaigns are executed properly. They create all marketing materials, track campaign results, liaise with outside vendors, and organize events.

Given the regulations around REITs, it is highly important that the marketing communications follow the investment directives from the SEC.

Marketing Coordinator Salary: $67,000 a year (average)

17. Maintenance Supervisor

A maintenance Supervisor is a position that requires managing and overseeing the work of others. Thus, ensuring work is completed in a timely, efficient and safe manner.

They are responsible for making sure all company policies and procedures are followed, as well as any legal requirements or safety regulations. Additionally, they manage budgets and expenses, as well as staff.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the property management or construction industries, as well as supervisory experience. A degree in engineering, architecture, or a related field may be beneficial.

Maintenance Supervisor Salary: $65,000 a year (average)

18. Property Appraiser

Appraisers are typically called in when there is a need to settle a dispute about the value of a piece of property, or when someone is buying or selling a home and needs to know how much it is worth.

Most states require that you be licensed in order to practice as an appraiser. The job outlook for appraisers is good; the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment will grow by 4% from 2020-2030 (source).

Property Appraiser Salary: $60,000 a year (average)

19. Leasing Consultants

Leasing consultants are responsible for meeting and greeting clients, touring potential tenants through a property, and helping them decide whether or not to lease it. They must be knowledgeable about the property they are showing, as well as about the local rental market.

Consequential, this is a good job for someone who is able to close deals, so being persuasive is important.

They should also be outgoing and comfortable working with people from all walks of life. A high level of professionalism is essential, as is attention to detail. Leasing consultants typically earn commissions based on the number of leases they sign, making this a commission-based job.

Leasing Consultant Salary: $50,000 a year (average)

20. Commerical Real Estate Intern

Commercial real estate internships are a great way to get started in the commercial real estate industry. Many internships will give you the opportunity to work with the CEO/COO and learn about all aspects of the business.

In most internships, you will gain vast knowledge while working with every department within the company.

Consequently, interns often have the chance to work with different teams and learn about all aspects of commercial real estate. This is a great way to gain experience in the field. Plus you will get a well-rounded working experience and the opportunity to build your network.

You must be a college student who is detail-oriented, self-starter, creative and strategic thinker in order to be considered for any real estate internship.

Commercial Real Estate Intern Salary: unpaid to $20 an hour

(Source for All Salary Information: Glassdoor.com)

Bonus = Real Estate Investors

Real estate investors use a variety of strategies to make money in the real estate market. Some invest a minimal amount of money, while others take on high-risk ventures.

In order to be successful, investors must be well-versed in real estate investment strategy and have extensive knowledge of the market.

This is why REITs are so popular with most investors. It allows a hands-off approach to real estate investing. Yet, still profit in the real estate appreciation and rental income.

Real Estate Investors Salary: varies on the amount of money invested but most want at least a 6-10% return

What real estate investment jobs are entry level?

Real estate investment is one of the best paying jobs in the world. The job offers a lot of opportunities for growth and allows you to work with different types of people.

It also has a relatively low barrier to entry, making it a great option for those who are starting their careers.

Most people in real estate started at the bottom and worked their way up the corporate ladder with hard work and persistence.

What are the minimum requirements for entry level real estate jobs?

The industry is growing rapidly and there are many different opportunities for those looking to enter the field. However, it’s important to note that entry-level jobs in this field come with specific skill sets and education requirements.

Most require at least a college degree if not at least 5 years of hands-on experience. One of the best places to start without any qualifications and education is as a leasing consultant

If you want to progress quickly in your career in real estate, consider taking a chance on one of the best paying jobs in REITs listed here. In fact, there are many jobs available in real estate investment trusts.

REITs – Which real estate investing job looks appealing to you?

Picture of a sign that says jobs for you for the best real estate investing job for you.

The REIT industry is constantly growing, and with that comes new opportunities for a lucrative career path.

Many of the roles in a REIT are highly challenging, pay well, and are respected by investors. Many people work together as a team to build new projects, manage existing projects as well as work to finance them.

There are plenty of benefits of spending time researching this industry and finding the job for you.

In fact, it is an exciting and rewarding career!

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

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