Real estate has always been a profitable industry to work in and be a part of as a professional. But what are the best paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts? It has mostly stayed the same over the years because people require access to commercial property for their needs.

Even though the real estate industry has experienced several significant hiccups over the past few years, the market is rebounding well. In fact, more and more people are considering a career in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which signals just how strong and reliable this market is.

Working in real estate might be a good career decision for you, too. If you’re interested in working in real estate, you might want to know some of the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts.

What are REITs?

Before we jump into the best-paying commercial real estate jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts, let’s focus on REITs for a little bit. Real Estate Investment Trusts, or simply REITs, are companies responsible for managing and leasing real estate properties they own. These companies are public investment vehicles listed on a stock exchange.

Although most people think of residential property when someone mentions real estate, this industry includes so much more than that. REITs own and run income-generating properties and other related assets. These properties include offices, resorts, hotels, shopping malls, hospitals, commercial buildings, and many other objects.

Although you can’t sell a property a REIT owns, you can develop it. That way, you can use it to generate income. As a result, many interested in the industry find themselves asking is real estate investment trusts a good career path.

It’s necessary to mention that REITs have higher liquidity than traditional real estate investments, allowing investors to buy and sell assets quickly and effectively. Moreover, investing in REITs allows small and big investors to make real estate investments that would otherwise be impossible.

Today, there are more than 225 REITs in the United States alone. Their combined market capitalization is above $1 trillion, showing just how successful these trusts are.

Moreover, the REIT sector develops and grows daily, and so does the number of best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. As an industry with a promising and bright future, more jobs are bound to become available.

Types of REITs where you can work

The real estate industry is diverse, so not all REITs are alike. Since there are many different types of Real Estate Investment Trusts, learning more about them is necessary to find a job in this industry. Here’s a brief overview of REIT types where you can work.

Domestic REITs

Domestic Real Estate Investment Trusts are responsible for creating apartments, complex centers, large-scale communities, and other housing solutions.

Domestic REITs are most successful in large cities where home affordability is low. As a result, most people rent property due to the high cost of homes, which enables landlords to increase rent prices. That’s why most domestic REITs focus on larger cities.

Merchandise REITs

Merchandise Real Estate Investment Trusts work with shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets, and other retail shops, markets, and centers. Although merchandise REITs don’t manage or produce these stores, they hand out purchaser debts and collect profits from retail shops and owners.

Medical REITs

Medical Real Estate Investment Trusts invest in anything medical-oriented. That can include hospitals, other healthcare buildings, research facilities, multi-specialty clinics, laboratories, and even nursing homes.

Investing in the medical sector certainly comes with numerous advantages. It’s unlikely that medical-oriented REITs won’t face success simply because they’re in high demand right now.

Equitability REITs

Equitability Real Estate Investment Trusts focus on investments in residential real estate and apartments but also in resorts, markets, and shops. After the proposal approval, these trusts are responsible for building, establishing, and supervising the real estate. Equitability REITs pay off investors with a percentage of the profit.

Debt REITs

Real Estate Investment Trusts working with debt are organizations that help customers purchase real estate property by providing them with the needed money.

In that way, debt REITs are similar to lending companies since they give loans to property purchasers, who need to pay a loan interest fee in return. The only disadvantage of these trusts is the possibility of people delaying or refusing to pay their payments.

Industrial REITs

Industrial Real Estate Investment Trusts, also known as Logistics Real Estate Investment Trusts, are companies mainly focusing on the industrial sector. Industrial or Logistics REITs usually own warehouses, factories, distribution centers, and other facilities crucial for the industrial field.

Office REITs

Office Real Estate Investment Trusts primarily invest in different office properties. They also manage the buildings as their rightful owners.

Therefore, Office REITs can lease properties to other companies, organizations, and individuals. The properties they own can vary drastically since office space can be anything from an IT park to a skyscraper.

Hospitality REITs

Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trusts generate income via hotels, resorts, and other objects that belong to the hospitality industry. That also includes restaurants, bars, and lounges. Some stores in hospitality properties can also belong to the hospitality industry and can contribute to revenue generation.

15 best-paying jobs in real estate investment trusts

Now that you know more about these trusts, and if you would like to find a job in the real estate industry, you can learn about the 15 best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. They are the leading industry positions and come with excellent salaries.

1. REIT analysts

REIT analysts are easily among the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. The role of a REIT analyst is to purchase, sell, and trade financial assets, so the person working as one must have a working connection with real estate and financial management.

Some of the critical tasks of REIT analysts include researching the real estate market and monitoring the prevailing trends in the industry. By collecting and analyzing such information, REIT analysts ensure their organizations come to educated, informed, and well-planned decisions.

The average annual salary of a REIT analyst is $82,000.

2. Real estate lawyers

Real estate lawyers oversee all legal activity related to property transactions. They’re involved in the entire process from start to finish. They prepare and review all legal documents connected to property purchases and sales and resolve any legal issues that might arise.

Not everyone can become a real estate lawyer because this position requires a bachelor’s degree in Law. Therefore, it’s also reasonable for real estate lawyers to have one of the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts.

The average salary of a real estate lawyer is $130,000, but that can be much higher if you have a good reputation and more years of experience in the field.

3. Accountants

REIT accountants are responsible for recording, processing, and summarizing financial transactions of Real Estate Investment Trusts. Besides recording transactions, they also file tax returns and prepare financial statements.

By doing so, accountants help businesses stay profitable and allow them to grow. With that in mind, it’s safe to say REIT accountants keep the financial sector in order by handling all the financial operations within the company.

Since accountants have a critical role in REITs and are primarily responsible for the company’s economy, they also belong to the category of the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. The average salary of a property accountant is $60,000 per year.

4. Asset managers

Asset management includes looking after the financial and operational aspects of the trust’s portfolio. Every Real Estate Investment Trust has its preferences and goals. Asset managers need to manage their client’s assets according to those features.

Therefore, asset managers organize, develop, and maintain different client portfolios. To do that effectively, they need to collaborate with other departments of a REIT, including accounting, finance, acquisitions, and development.

Since asset managers are in a higher position, they also have higher pay. An asset manager’s annual salary is around $200,000, making it one of the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts.

5. Portfolio managers

Another managing role in the top 15 jobs in REITs is that of a portfolio manager. Portfolio managers are experts who advise clients on future property decisions by examining their portfolios.

They often make decisions and carry out investment activities on behalf of their clients. They do so to achieve their client’s investment objectives and goals.

Working as a portfolio manager comes with great responsibility, which is why this position offers an average annual salary of $100,000.

6. Real estate investors

Real estate investing is quickly becoming one of the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. As one of the most profitable job opportunities in the sector, it requires investors to purchase real estate assets, increase their value, and sell them at a higher price.

Even though a real estate investor’s work seems simple, buying and selling property comes with numerous challenges and risks. Real estate investors must thoroughly research the market to find the best times to purchase and sell a property. Their average salary is around $140,000 per year.

7. Real estate agents

When talking about jobs in real estate, a real estate agent position is the one that comes first to mind for most people. As the most recognizable job on this list, you’re probably aware of the essential responsibilities of a real estate agent.

From showing properties to potential clients to conducting inspections, real estate agents also do market research, identify customer behavior trends, and give their input on marketing campaigns. On average, a real estate agent earns $106,000 per year.

8. Brokers

Real estate brokers are in many ways similar to real estate agents. For instance, they also help clients buy and sell a property. However, brokers are experts in this field, and everyone who wants to work as a broker needs a special license.

In addition to helping customers find the perfect property, brokers ensure the paperwork for upcoming transactions is in order. They also have access to exclusive listings.

Their average annual salary is approximately $70,000, but that largely depends on the broker’s experience and knowledge.

9. Acquisition managers

The acquisition department looks for new investment opportunities. Acquisition managers supervise the entire acquisition team working to bring as many investment opportunities to a REIT as possible.

As a highly finance-driven sector, anyone working in acquisition needs a degree in finance, business, or marketing.

Working in acquisition comes with a good salary. Acquisition managers can earn around $150,000 per year.

10. Developers

Real estate developers have one of the most comprehensive jobs in the industry. Their main tasks include studying global real estate trends, analyzing customer expectations, and developing strategies using gathered data.

Real estate developers aim to close the gap between the investor’s demand and the construction’s capacity. Since this role is one of the most demanding, anyone working as a real estate developer needs a degree in engineering, management, or any other related field.

Real estate developers have an average annual salary of $110,000.

11. Relations consultants

Relations consultants, also known as communications consultants, have one of the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. They need to contact investors and communicate with them regularly to initiate partnerships.

Besides these essential responsibilities, relations or communications consultants interact with shareholders, prepare investment reports, and form teams for seminars and meetings.

Relations consultants have a relatively high salary average, most of them earning around $150,000 per year.

12. Property appraisers

Real estate property appraisers determine the value of a given property. During the worth evaluation process, appraisers need to consider plenty of different property features, market factors, and some economic factors.

Since property appraisers need to work with vast amounts of data to evaluate each property accurately, they have proficient skills in mathematics, finance, economics, or any other relevant field.

Property appraisers also have one of the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. Their average annual salary is around $57,000.

13. Leasing consultants

Leasing consultants in Real Estate Investment Trusts usually work with commercial property owners. Their job is to maintain relationships between landlords and tenants, besides managing the entire leasing process for commercial real estate. In addition, leasing consultants advertise vacant spaces that belong to their company’s property.

The job of a leasing consultant is a serious one, which is why most professionals have a bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, or some other related field. Leasing consultants usually need experience for this position, and their average annual pay is $40,000.

14. Mortgage loan officers

Mortgage loan officers work with banks, independent lenders, or other financial institutions. They find the best mortgage and loan type for their clients, thus ensuring their customers get the best deal.

Evaluating different offers and deals isn’t easy, so mortgage loan officers need at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business to perform their job duties well. Additionally, all mortgage loan officers need a Mortgage Loan Originator License in the state they want to find work.

With an annual average pay of $215,000, mortgage loan officers are undoubtedly among the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts.

15. Marketing managers

Marketing managers have a similar function in every industry or field. They oversee the marketing team that works with sales, product development, and public relations. Furthermore, marketing managers are responsible for approving marketing campaigns and advertising strategies. They often lead and assist marketing teams in developing the best marketing plan for a REIT.

Marketing managers require expert knowledge and experience in the field, which is why their job isn’t an entry-level position. The average salary of a marketing manager is around $80,000.

Conclusion

REITs are companies where numerous real estate and property experts find work. As a highly diverse field, real estate allows everyone to find their perfect position while working for a REIT.

If you’re considering entering this industry, you’re probably interested in the best-paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts. With these 15 leading roles, you’ll find your future career path in no time.