Top 10 Best Paying Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
If you’re looking to build a career in the financial and real estate world, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer some of the best-paying jobs with excellent long-term growth opportunities. From high-level executives to analysts and managers, REITs employ a wide variety of professionals, and many of these roles are surprisingly well-paid.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best-paying jobs in real estate investment trusts, especially in the USA, and discuss whether you can enter this field without a perfect financial background.
What Are REITs?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate. They provide a way for everyday investors to earn a share of the income produced through commercial real estate ownership without actually buying properties.
Due to the scale and complexity of REIT operations, these companies require skilled professionals across a range of roles from finance and acquisitions to asset management and investor relations.
Top 10 Best-Paying Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts
Here’s a list of high-paying roles in REITs, based on average salary data from Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
1. Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
- Average Salary: $200K–$350K+
- Role: Leads investment strategies, portfolio growth, and capital allocation.
- Why It Pays Well: Direct impact on company profitability and investor returns.
2. Portfolio Manager
- Average Salary: $150K–$250K
- Role: Manages investment portfolios and optimises property performance.
- Skills Needed: Deep understanding of real estate markets, financial modelling.
3. Asset Manager
- Average Salary: $120K–$200K
- Role: Responsible for maximising the value and return on individual assets.
- Typical Background: Finance, real estate management, or MBA.
4. Acquisitions Manager
- Average Salary: $110K–$180K
- Role: Identifies and evaluates potential property acquisitions.
- Why It’s Lucrative: Critical role in REIT growth and expansion strategy.
5. Real Estate Investment Analyst
- Average Salary: $90K–$150K
- Role: Analyses financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities.
- Great for: Entry-level professionals with a strong finance or economics background.
6. Development Manager
- Average Salary: $100K–$160K
- Role: Manages new construction and redevelopment projects.
- Involves: Project management, budgeting, and zoning knowledge.
7. Investor Relations Manager
- Average Salary: $100K–$140K
- Role: Communicates with shareholders, prepares earnings reports.
- Key Skills: Finance, communications, and SEC reporting knowledge.
8. REIT Accountant
- Average Salary: $80K–$120K
- Role: Handles financial reporting, regulatory filings, and compliance.
- Often CPA required.
9. Financial Analyst
- Average Salary: $70K–$110K
- Role: Supports budgeting, forecasting, and valuation models.
- Entry Path: Great for recent grads with Excel and modelling skills.
10. Property Manager (Senior Level)
- Average Salary: $75K–$100K
- Role: Manages day-to-day operations and tenant relations.
- Best For: People with hands-on real estate experience.
🇺🇸 Best Paying Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts in the USA
In the USA, REITs are a major segment of the investment market. The demand for skilled professionals is growing, especially in financial hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The following sectors within U.S. REITs tend to offer the best-paying opportunities:
- Commercial Real Estate (office, industrial, logistics)
- Healthcare REITs (hospitals, senior living)
- Data Centre REITs
- Residential Multifamily Housing
If you’re in the USA and looking for the best-paying jobs in real estate investment trusts, these are the markets to watch.
Can You Land a High-Paying REIT Job Without a Finance Degree?
One popular query is
“What are the best-paying jobs in real estate investment trusts without a perfect finance background?”
Here’s the good news: Yes, you can break into REITs even if you don’t have a finance degree, especially in areas like:
- Project management (e.g., development manager)
- Marketing and Investor Relations
- Operations & Leasing
- Technology/IT (REITs also need cybersecurity and systems managers)
Having certifications (like a real estate licence, PMP, or Excel/financial modelling certificates) can make a big difference.
What Does “FSCS” Have to Do with REITs?
Some users search for “best paying jobs in real estate investment trusts fscs,” likely confusing FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme), a UK-based protection scheme, with REITs.
Clarification:
- REITs are investment vehicles, while FSCS is a UK regulatory body that protects customers when financial firms fail.
- If you’re working in financial regulation or compliance, there may be crossover roles, but they’re not directly linked.
Final Thoughts
The world of real estate investment trusts is full of high-paying opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned finance professional or someone looking to transition into real estate, there’s a role for you, especially in the USA, where REITs continue to grow in size and influence.
1. What are the highest paying jobs in REITs?
The highest paying jobs in REITs include roles like Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Portfolio Manager, Asset Manager, and Acquisitions Manager. These positions can pay between $150,000 to over $350,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
2. Do you need a finance degree to work in a REIT?
Not always. While many roles (like Analyst or CFO) require finance-related education, others — such as Property Manager, Development Manager, or Investor Relations — may not. Relevant experience and certifications can often substitute for a formal finance degree.
3. Are REIT jobs available in the USA?
Yes. The USA has one of the largest REIT markets in the world. Most REIT companies are based in major cities like New York, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco, and they frequently hire for various high-paying roles.
4. How do I start a career in a REIT company?
Start by gaining experience or education in real estate, finance, economics, or accounting. Entry-level roles like Real Estate Analyst or Financial Analyst are great starting points. Internships at REIT firms also provide valuable exposure.
5. Which REIT sector offers the best salary?
Commercial REITs, Healthcare REITs, and Data Center REITs often offer the highest salaries due to their scale, complexity, and profitability. Leadership and acquisition roles in these sectors are particularly lucrative.
