22 Best-Paying Jobs In Real Estate in 2024

Real estate comprises land and fixtures, buildings, roads, structures, and utility systems. Currently, the real estate industry is one area that is expanding rapidly and offers jobs that pay pretty well. “real estate” refers to a broad sector that incorporates many sub-sectors, such as property development, leasing, marketing, and others. In addition, it encompasses various properties, including residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial holdings. The sector shifts in response to economic conditions but is relatively stable because people will always require residential space, and commercial space will always be in demand. Both directly and indirectly, the real estate field is connected to many career opportunities. Along with obtaining a real estate license, many occupations in the real estate industry require qualifications, such as a degree. In this section, we’ll talk about the 22 best-paying jobs in real estate and how much money you can expect to make from each.

1. Mortgage Loan Officer

When purchasing a property or home, mortgage loan officers, also known as mortgage loan originators, advise buyers through the mortgage process. Additionally, they examine various loan possibilities and give them to the client to guarantee that the client chooses the best option for their financial circumstances.

Salary: The average annual salary for a mortgage loan officer is $146,217

Education And Experiment:

Most loan officers have a bachelor’s degree in the finance business, economics, or a related discipline. You also need at least three years of experience as a loan assistant.

2. Director Of Corporate Real Estate

A director of corporate real estate is in charge of managing the company’s corporate real estate portfolio. This profession focuses on developing a strategy and implementing measures to construct and maintain a profitable real estate portfolio. For example, you may be engaged in the site selection process for new buildings and negotiating costs and contracts with builders and service providers involved in your company’s real estate development. As the director of corporate real estate, you must also ensure that each real estate transaction falls within the department’s budget and strategic goals.

Salary: The average annual salary for a director of corporate real estate is $142,333

Education And Experience: 

To pursue a corporate real estate director career, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, real estate, business, or a related field. However, most companies prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration or another finance field. In addition, corporate finance directors must have at least eight years of working as a portfolio manager or in other related areas.

3. Relocation Director

They are in charge of scouting for potential new employees. In addition, they are in charge of developing new marketing services, managing the vendor network, training new employees, reviewing new listings and sales contracts, and managing moving customers. 

Salary: The average annual salary for a relocation director is $123,467

Education And Experience:

To be a relocation director, you need a bachelor’s degree in real estate, business administration, finance, or related fields. Some relocation directors further their education by earning a master’s degree. They must also have necessary certifications like Certified Relocation Professional and Sales Professional. To be a relocation director, you need at least 3years of experience in real estate services.

4. Real Estate Attorney

A real estate attorney is a licensed professional who handles the legal aspects of buying or selling real estate. They look over legal documents that have to do with real estate, negotiate the terms and conditions of real estate deals, and ensure that titles are transferred.

Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate attorney is $100,209

Education And Experience:

To pursue a real estate attorney career, you should first earn a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, economics, or a closely related field. Then, after a bachelor’s degree, you need to sit for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) examination, qualifying you to enter a law school. Then, while studying to be a Juris Doctor, you can specify to go into real estate law.

5. Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents assist customers in purchasing and selling residential and commercial properties. They market listings, show prospective purchasers’ residences, and work with brokers and financial, real estate specialists to get customers accepted for a home.

Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate agent is $98,208.

Education And Experience:

You need a high school diploma or GED to be a real estate agent. However, some agents also advance their careers by earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Also, aspiring real estate agents need to obtain their licenses before they can work in their state of residence. Note that the requirements to obtain the license differ in each state.

6. Real Estate Development Manager

The real estate development manager contributes to the organization’s success by providing strategic planning, project management, and financial oversight on new construction development projects while upholding the highest quality standards. In addition, they are in charge of delivering the real estate development program, which starts with finding and buying a site and continues through due diligence, construction, and finally, handing the project over to the operational business unit.

Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate development manager is $95,008

Education And Experience:

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational prerequisite for a real estate development manager position. Real estate, business administration, and urban planning are common degrees acquired by practitioners in this area. Most real estate development managers have three to five years of industry experience.

7. Real Estate Broker

Real estate brokers recruit interested buyers, assist buyers in locating properties that meet their needs and assist sellers in selling their properties by market values. Certain real estate brokers supervise agents who do a portion of the purchasing and sale responsibilities, but brokers must physically control the transaction process to comply with all state rules.

Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate broker is $93,060

Education And Experience: 

To be a real estate broker, you must complete your high school diploma and real estate courses. Although it is not mandatory, a bachelor’s degree can make you stand out more. Becoming a real estate broker requires additional education, passing an exam, and completing a minimum number of real estate experience hours, which varies from state to state.

8. Commercial Portfolio Manager

Commercial portfolio managers research market trends and trading activities to establish and implement investment plans for their corporate clients or commercial loan revenue. Financial institutions like banks typically employ commercial portfolio managers; their responsibilities include monitoring and managing a portfolio of business loans and determining how to extend investments in those loans. As a commercial portfolio manager, it’s your job to look over financial accounts, find market risks, and advise on investing for the future.

Salary: The average annual salary for a commercial portfolio manager is $91,018

Education And Experience:

To pursue a commercial portfolio manager career, you need a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or business. Most have a master’s degree in business administration. Also, to be recognized as a CPM, you must hold a chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation. A commercial portfolio manager should have four years of experience in the related field.

9. New Home Sales Consultant

New home sales consultants take prospective buyers on tours of newly built houses and residences that may still be under construction. To give customers an idea of what their finished home will look like, they frequently present buyers with blueprints, floor plans, or model homes. Buyers and new home sales advisors might collaborate on designing a uniquely suited dwelling for the buyer’s needs.

Salary: The average annual salary for a new home sales consultant is $89,765

Education And Experience:

To be a new home sales consultant, you need a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or another related field. You can have experience in the sales field, or you can gain on-the-job training experience.

10. Real Estate Executive

An individual responsible for managing an organization’s real estate-related activities is known as a real estate executive. They organize various real estate activities, including site location and land assessments, among many others. In addition, they build new professional relationships, find possible customers, and keep in touch with them until the sale is made. 

Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate executive is $82,300

Education And Experience:

To pursue a real estate executive career, you need a bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, accounting, or other related fields. They can earn a master’s degree to advance in their career. It opens great opportunities for them. Real estate executives gain experience by undergoing training in the industry before as agents or brokers before working in management.

11. Escrow Officer

Escrow officers oversee the processing of real estate transactions, ensuring that all documentation is completed and legal criteria are met. In addition, they explain all parts of the home-buying process to prospective purchasers. Escrow officers earn a portion of the ultimate sale price. Therefore their potential income can vary based on their location and the value of the properties they manage.

Salary: The average annual salary for an escrow officer is $82,230

Education And Experience:

Many escrow officers have a high school diploma or GED as a minimum educational requirement. However, some decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. Escrow officers are expected to have 1-2 years of related experience.

12. Real Estate Manager

On behalf of the owner, a real estate manager or property manager administers residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. Their jobs include keeping the properties in good shape, helping the owners make budgets, and making money on their behalf.

Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate manager is $80,500

Education And Experience: 

This profession has no formal education or training requirements. Others hold a bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, or business administration, whereas other real estate managers only have a few GCSEs. There are a variety of professional credentials that candidates can obtain to enhance their abilities and expertise. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), for example, offers a variety of relevant credentials. The required amount of experience for a real estate manager varies by role. Some businesses may need prior experience in commercial or residential property management from applicants. Others may prefer if applicants have previous experience working in a professional customer service or real estate environment.

13. Zoning Manager

In the real estate business, a Real Estate Zoning Manager oversees the administration and acquisition of network site development. Supervises zoning real estate operations, such as leasing, purchasing, and selling property, as well as adherence to zoning regulations. As a Real Estate Zoning Manager, it is your job to work with government officials to ensure each property in a neighborhood follows the rules for utilities and buildings.

Salary: The average annual salary for a zoning manager is $71,340

Education And Experience:

Bachelor’s degrees in public administration, business, or similar subjects are required for employment as a zoning administrator. In addition, the majority of employers favor people with Zoning Inspector Certification. A candidate for zoning manager should have at least three years of expertise in the sector.

14. REIT Analyst

A REIT analyst is another term for a real estate investment trust analyst. They are responsible for analyzing the performance of a real estate investment. Analysts of REITs assess the performance of current assets to determine if they are accomplishing their objectives. Analysts of REITs also have to look at demographic data to figure out where there is potential for development.

Salary: The average annual salary for a REIT analyst is $73,321

Education And Experience:

REIT analysts must hold a bachelor’s degree in real estate, corporate finance, statistics, or a closely related discipline. A master’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field can help boost your real estate career. A REIT analyst is also expected to have worked in the real estate market for at least two years.

15. Real Estate Appraiser

A real estate appraiser determines the value of a piece of land or property, such as residences or commercial structures. They work with real estate agents to assess their clients’ asking prices or offers. To determine the value of the subject property, they also examine the market value of comparable properties in the vicinity. 

Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate appraiser is $75,321

Education And Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related discipline is required to become a real estate appraiser. However, most employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree in the appraisal, business administration, or a similar discipline. To become a real estate appraiser, you must have worked in the field for at least five years.

16. Commercial Leasing Manager

Commercial leasing managers research the market value of comparable properties in the area to determine the appraised property’s value. Then, a business leasing manager ensures all the necessary paperwork is filled out and that clients get excellent service. 

Salary: The average annual salary for a commercial leasing manager is $65,450

Education And Experience:

Qualifications for commercial leasing management include a bachelor’s degree in real estate or business administration. Additionally, you must have at least five years of experience as an agent or supervisor.

17. Foreclosure Specialist

A foreclosure specialist controls and handles the foreclosure process of a property, making it one of the highest-paying positions in real estate investment trusts. You must ensure that all foreclosure components conform to federal, state, and local regulations. You create foreclosure documents and get title records and other documentation about foreclosure.

Salary: The average annual salary for a foreclosure specialist is $55,449

Education And Experience:

To become a foreclosure specialist, you must have a high school diploma and three years of related work experience. Nonetheless, certain employers may require a bachelor’s degree. You also need at least three years of experience in the real estate business to be considered for the role of foreclosure specialist.

18. Property Accountant

Property accountants conduct fundamental accounting functions for businesses and developers. In addition, they handle budget management, account reconciliation, and financial records. To guarantee that all legal criteria are met, they may also meet with people involved in all phases of building and sales, such as developers, lawyers, and local politicians, on behalf of their company.

Salary: The average annual salary for a property accountant is $59,111

Education And Experience:

To become a property accountant, you must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business management. Most companies will prefer candidates with at least three years of experience in the real estate field.

19. Real Estate Associate

Real estate agents assist buyers in locating properties and sellers in listing properties for sale. They frequently work for both large and small enterprises as either vendors or buyers. In both instances, they show prospective purchasers’ houses and assist them throughout the sales and negotiating processes. 

 Salary: The average annual salary for a real estate associate is $67,298

Education And Experience:

A bachelor’s degree or higher education is optional to become a real estate associate, though it can be advantageous. However, if you want to be a real estate associate, you should have at least two years of experience with buying, valuing, and financing real estate.

20. Compliance Specialist

Compliance specialists, also known as compliance officers, must be conversant with local legislation and guarantee that businesses conform to all legal requirements for transactions and growth. They also oversee audits if a company is thought to be breaking the rules, they also oversee audits.

Salary: The average annual salary for a compliance specialist is $54,411

Education And Experience:

The minimal education required to become a compliance specialist is a bachelor’s degree. The field of study may be law, ethics, or a similar discipline. A doctorate may be required at larger organizations or for positions with greater responsibility. You may, for instance, earn a master’s in business ethics and compliance. Compliance specialist candidates obtain relevant job experience.

21. Title Examiner

Title examiners, called “title officers,” review property titles and public documents. They identify legal obstacles to property sales. Their responsibilities include maintaining records and reporting their findings to law firms, real estate agencies, or insurance organizations. 

Salary: The average annual salary for a title examiner is $56,607

Education And Experience:

With merely a high school diploma, someone can pursue a profession as a title examiner. Despite this, many firms prefer to recruit applicants with bachelor’s degrees. In addition, most title examiners must have at least two years of experience in entry-level jobs like escrow assistants, title typists, or clerks.

22. Home Inspector

Home inspectors assess a residence for any potential defects or essential repairs. They often give prospective homebuyers, real estate agents, and other real estate professionals estimates of how much something will cost and how much it will cost to fix. 

Salary: The average annual salary for a home inspector is $50,200

Education And Experience:

There is no national certification standard. Different states have varying qualifications for becoming a home inspector. Some states demand only 60 hours of study, while others require around 200. Some need you to pass a national exam, while others have exam requirements.