The 17 Highest-Paying Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts in 2024

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Written By Jon-G

Serial entrepreneur and king of the side hustle. 10+ years making money online and developing business opportunities.

Do you want to work in the real estate industry but don’t know where to start? Consider working for a real estate investment trust, or REIT. These businesses are responsible for managing and owning income-producing properties, such as apartments, shopping malls, and office buildings. If you’re looking for a high-paying job in the real estate industry, here are the top 17 positions to consider!

What is a real estate investment trust (REIT)?

A REIT is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. Publicly traded REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders as dividends each year. Most REITs specialize in a particular type of property, such as office buildings, shopping malls, apartments, warehouses, or hotels.

How to get started in the REIT industry

There are many ways to get started in the REIT industry. One way is to find a job with a REIT. Education requirements for REIT jobs vary depending on the position, but most positions will require at least a bachelor’s degree. Many REITs also have internship programs that can give you the opportunity to learn about the industry and potentially land a job after graduation.

Prior experience in the real estate industry is not required for many entry-level positions, so don’t let that discourage you from applying for a job with a REIT.

The benefits of working for a REIT

There are many benefits to working for a REIT. For one, REITs offer competitive salaries and generous benefits packages. Many REITs also offer tuition reimbursement, so if you’re interested in pursuing a graduate degree in real estate or related field, working for a REIT can help offset the cost of your education.

REITs also offer the opportunity to learn about different aspects of the real estate industry and gain experience in a variety of roles. And because REITs are required to distribute most of their income to shareholders, you can also reap the benefits of working for a profitable company.

The best-paying jobs in the REIT industry

If you’re interested in working for a REIT, consider one of these high-paying positions! With hard work and dedication, you can succeed in this industry.

The best-paying jobs in REITs are:

Chief Executive Officer

The highest-paying job in a REIT is the CEO. The CEO is responsible for the overall operation of the REIT and typically earns the highest salary.

According to SPG Global, the average salaries in 2018 for the top 10 CEO’s of publicly traded real estate investment trusts ranged from a high of $43.6 million total compensation to $12.4 million. Salary included cash compensation, stocks and incentives.

Chief Operating Officer

The COO oversees the day-to-day operations of the REIT and typically earns a salary that is lower than the CEO but higher than other executives.

Chief Financial Officer

The CFO is responsible for the financial planning and reporting for the REIT.

Senior Vice President of Investments

The SVP of investments is responsible for the REIT’s investment strategy and portfolio.

Senior Vice President of Asset Management

The SVP of asset management is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the REIT’s properties.

Senior Vice President of Development

The SVP of development is responsible for the planning and execution of the REIT’s development projects.

Director of Acquisitions

The director of acquisitions is responsible for the identification and purchase of new properties for the REIT.

Director of Property Management

The director of property management is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the REIT’s properties.

Portfolio Manager

The portfolio manager is responsible for managing the properties owned by the REIT.

Investment Analyst

The investment analyst conducts research on potential investments for the REIT.

Asset Manager

The asset manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the properties owned by the REIT.

Property Manager

The property manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a specific property orproperties owned by the REIT.

Leasing Manager

The leasing manager is responsible for negotiating leases with tenants and managing the occupancy of the properties owned by the REIT.

Marketing Manager

The marketing manager is responsible for promoting the properties owned by the REIT.

Controller

The controller is responsible for the REIT’s accounting and financial reporting.

Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for the REIT’s financing and investment activities.

Secretary

The secretary is responsible for the REIT’s legal and compliance activities.

The future of the real estate industry

The real estate industry is ever-changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Here are some of the most popular topics in the industry today:

Technology: The use of technology in the real estate industry is growing exponentially. From online listings to virtual tours, technology is changing the way we buy and sell homes.

Sustainability: More and more people are interested in sustainable living, and the real estate industry is responding. From LEED certified buildings to solar-powered homes, there are many options for eco-friendly living.

Affordability: The high cost of housing is a major issue facing many people today. The real estate industry is working to find solutions to make housing more affordable for everyone.

Accessibility: As the population ages, there is an increasing demand for accessible homes. The real estate industry is working to make homes more accessible for people with disabilities.

The real estate industry offers a variety of high-paying jobs for people with the right skills and experience. If you’re interested in a career in real estate, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. With the right knowledge, you can find a job that’s perfect for you.