A career in real estate can be pretty rewarding if you know where to look. Some roles, especially in commercial real estate, offer salaries that can make your eyes pop. But the job isn’t just about big paychecks. It takes skill, experience, and knowing the market inside out. Let’s break down some of the highest paying real estate careers and what it takes to get there.
7 Highest Paying Real Estate Careers
These seven highest paying jobs in real estate are in no particular order. Please note a real estate job salary may vary for different regions. We have taken all the salary ranges from ZipRecruiter.
1. Commercial Real Estate Agent or Broker (Leasing and Sales)
Being a commercial real estate agent means you’re the middle person connecting property owners and tenants. You need to find renters, market spaces, and negotiate deals. The job involves everything from showing off office spaces to hammering out lease terms. Agents do the groundwork, making sure properties are filled with the right tenants, while brokers often handle the legal and financial side of things.
Making money in this field depends on your location, experience, and the size of deals you close. On average, a commercial leasing or sales agent can make about $95,000 a year, but it can go way higher. Brokers, especially those working with bigger firms, can rake in anywhere from $30,000 to $280,000 annually. Those working for REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) usually see around $98,791 per year.
How to Get There: Most people start with a background in business, real estate, or even architecture. Additionally, those interested in REIT jobs often start as agents or brokers to gain valuable knowledge. Experience in sales or leasing helps, and over time, successful agents may become brokers or start their own firms.
2. Real Estate Developer
If you’re thinking about making serious money in real estate, becoming a developer might be the way. These are the people who actually build commercial spaces—offices, shopping centers, apartments, you name it. Developers deal with everything from getting permits and hiring contractors to securing financing and making sure projects finish on time and within budget. Some developers go on to become real estate entrepreneurs, launching their own development companies and taking on even larger projects.
The pay? It varies A LOT. Some developers make around $60,000, while others pull in over $128,500 annually. The bigger the project, the bigger the paycheck. But it’s risky—one bad deal can set you back significantly.
How to Get There: Many developers start in real estate investment, construction, or business. Gaining experience in property management or working with established developers helps before striking out on your own.
3. Commercial Real Estate Manager
If you like the idea of overseeing properties rather than selling them, being a commercial real estate manager could be a solid gig. Your job is to keep a commercial building running smoothly. That means handling maintenance crews, collecting rent, settling tenant disputes, and making sure leases are renewed. Some also deal with taxes and insurance for the property.
The salary is pretty solid, typically ranging from $78,000 to $149,000 per year.
How to Get There: Many start as leasing agents or assistant property managers before working their way up. Certifications in property management can help boost your career.
4. Director of Physical Security
Not the first job that comes to mind in real estate, but definitely one of the highest-paying. A director of physical security ensures that properties, businesses, and their clients are safe. Responsibilities include creating security policies, training guards, and making sure no one’s breaking into high-end commercial properties.
Salaries range from $162,000 to $220,000, making this a lucrative career path for those with law enforcement or military backgrounds.
How to Get There: Most directors of physical security start with experience in law enforcement, military, or corporate security. A degree in criminal justice or security management can help, though many rise through the ranks with hands-on experience. Certifications in security risk management or crisis response can boost career prospects. With time, security professionals can advance to senior leadership roles overseeing multiple properties or corporate security strategies.
5. Chief Financial Analysis Officer (CFAO)
This role is all about numbers. A CFAO manages financial planning, investment strategies, and risk management for real estate businesses, especially in hospitality properties. You’d be crunching numbers, forecasting budgets, and keeping an eye on market trends.
Salaries for this job range from $35,869 to $109,936, depending on experience and company size.
How to Get There: Most CFAOs start in finance-related roles and work their way up, often with degrees in finance or business. Understanding real estate markets is key.
6. Valuation Consultant
Ever wonder how properties are priced? That’s where valuation consultants come in. They analyze real estate, stocks, and other assets, checking market trends and risks before presenting their findings to investors or property managers.
This job pays well, with salaries between $169,500 and $208,000 per year.
How to Get There: A degree in finance, economics, or real estate is a good start. You’ll need experience in property appraisal or valuation and possibly some certifications.
7. Mortgage Loan Officer
These professionals help people secure home and property loans. They work with banks and financial institutions to find the best mortgage options for buyers. Since mortgages are a huge part of the real estate industry, loan officers play a crucial role in making deals happen.
Salaries can vary widely. While some make around $52,000, top earners can hit $125,500 annually. Commission-based earnings mean the more loans you close, the more you make.
How to Get There: You’ll need to get licensed through the NMLS and have at least a high school diploma, though many loan officers have degrees in finance or business. Experience in banking or real estate can also help.
Final Thoughts
Real estate isn’t just about selling houses—it’s an industry with many high-paying roles that require different skill sets. Whether you’re into sales, finance, management, or development, there’s a path for you. The key is experience, networking, and knowing where the money flows. Many professionals in these roles recommend real estate investing books as a way to stay updated on market trends and investment strategies. Choose wisely, work hard, and you could land a real estate job that pays big.
