The Best Paying Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts (Top 5)
See the big money in buildings.
It's an excellent time for you to build a career in real estate investment trusts. The housing market has been booming, but even when it dips — people still make money if they know where to look. And just like homeowners have been able to capitalize on the housing market, so have jobs that support this field.
Many people start in the field as either agents or brokers and eventually grow into investors. You may wonder what other jobs are the best for real estate investments. We have compiled a guide to help you find the one that fits you. Here are the top five best-paying jobs in real estate investment trusts.
#1 Property Manager
Property management is a rewarding career if you love talking to people and finding solutions for them.
What It Is
A property manager is an office position that uses management and sales skills. Property managers manage properties on behalf of property owners by managing tenants and other employees. In addition, they work with tenants on their applications and approvals.
Required Education
Property managers must have a high school diploma and a certification (usually from a local college or technical school). Many property managers work their way up from entry-level positions like property consultants.
Expected Salary
Expect to earn about $59,000 annually as the median salary for newer property managers.
Job Growth
This field is expected to grow by 3% over the next ten years, which is steady growth, so property management is an option if you're seeking stability.
#2 Real Estate Broker
Real estate is a flexible field to work in, and it is a role that you can do part-time or full-time and still be very successful.
What It Is
Real estate brokers and agents work with home buyers and sellers to sell houses. Brokers can work independently, while real estate agents must work under a real estate broker.
You can work both roles from an office or from home. There is a lot of travel time for real estate brokers. As a real estate professional, you will meet with your clients to show homes and walk them through the closing process.
Required Education
A high school diploma is a minimum requirement to work in real estate. Each state has its own licensure requirements to meet. Both brokers and agents must be licensed to sell real estate.
Expected Salary
You can earn an average of $69,000 annually as a fresh real estate broker. Brokers, however, can maximize their income by growing a network of real estate agents. This allows you to make a commission off every sale your entire team makes, which quickly raises your income.
Job Growth
This field is expected to grow by 5% over the next ten years. This growth rate is slightly faster than the average rate, meaning the demand is significant.
#3 Property Appraiser
Property appraisers get to work with various people to assess the value of all types of properties.
What It Is
A property appraiser evaluates the value of homes and buildings for the buying process. They use a variety of systems and metrics to help ensure their numbers are correct. So, if you're comfortable with math and love a bit of travel — this may be a good fit.
Required Education
Property appraisers must have a bachelor's degree with some additional training. There are also certifications and licensing requirements you will need to meet (depending on you location).
Expected Salary
You can earn an average salary of $61,400 annually as a property appraiser.
Job Growth
This industry is steadily growing (about 4%) and that may increase as the housing market continues to evolve.
#4 Investment Analyst
The investment or financial analyst role fits you if you enjoy analyzing financial data and making reports.
What It Is
An investment analyst works with executives and the financial management of a business to identify ways to improve a business's financial performance. This role works out of an office and could be remote for some organizations.
In larger corporations, some travel could be required for this role. Investment analysts may work with businesses on investment property strategies.
Required Education
You must have a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related business field. However, some financial analysts pursue higher degrees like an MBA to improve their opportunities.
Expected Salary
The expected salary for an investment analyst is around $91,500 annually.
Job Growth
This role is one of the fastest-growing ones on our list, with a projected growth rate of over 9% through 2031.
#5 Real Estate Lawyer
If you enjoy working with clients, digging into interesting problems, and offering solutions, a real estate lawyer is an ideal match for you.
What It Is
A real estate attorney works with agents, banks, and homebuyers to facilitate home-buying. This role will need to be in an office (since most law professions need to keep documents centralized). Like real estate agents, real estate attorneys spend a lot of time traveling to closing sessions and related client meetings. They may work for a law firm, or work independently once more established.
Required Education
A real estate attorney must have a JD degree and other professional education required by the bar association of their practicing state. You will also likely have to get additional training in real estate.
Expected Salary
The median annual wage for a real estate attorney is $129,000.
Job Growth
The market for attorneys will grow 10% within the next decade. Therefore, it is a stable field to get started with. If you are already into real estate, adding additional legal education will pave the way for you to become one of the most well-paid professionals in the sector.
As REITs continue to grow in popularity, so will the jobs that support them. If you're interested in this field and ready to work, any of the above options could be a great place to start. Plus, if you have an entrepreneurial spirit — more millionaires are made in real estate than in anything else!