When Sarah graduated with a finance degree, she envisioned a career in investment banking or consulting. However, after a few months of research and some career fairs, she stumbled upon an industry that piqued her interest: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). She discovered that REITs are more than just corporate entities that buy and manage properties; they’re dynamic companies with roles for analysts, asset managers, marketing experts, IT specialists, and more. Intrigued by the diversity of positions, she asked herself: “How many jobs are available in REITs, and what kinds of careers could I pursue?” As Sarah soon learned, the REIT industry is a vast and growing field, offering thousands of employment opportunities for people with a wide range of skills.
Curious about how many jobs are available in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)? Discover the range of career opportunities in REITs, from finance and asset management to property development, along with job growth stats and salary insights.
In this article, we’ll examine the job market within Real Estate Investment Trusts, examining the types of roles available, the growth in the sector, and the skills needed to thrive in this industry. From finance and development to technology and compliance, REITs offer promising careers for those ready to enter the world of real estate investment.
What Are Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate across various residential, commercial, industrial, and retail sectors. Their unique structure allows individual investors to invest in large-scale, income-generating real estate without actually owning the property themselves. As a result, REITs play a significant role in the real estate market, providing investment opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
Since their inception in the 1960s in the United States, REITs have grown significantly. Today, the global REIT market is valued at over $1.7 trillion, with more than 1,000 REITs operating worldwide (source: National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Nareit). This growth has opened up many career opportunities, as these companies need skilled professionals across various fields to manage, finance, and develop their property portfolios.
How Many Jobs Are Available in REITs?
Quantifying the exact number of jobs in the REIT sector can be challenging because roles span multiple departments and skill sets. However, it is estimated that in the United States alone, REITs directly employ around 274,000 people and support an additional 2.4 million indirect jobs through the properties they own and manage (source: Nareit). Globally, the employment numbers in REITs are likely in the millions, given the large-scale portfolios many REITs maintain in countries like Japan, Australia, and various European nations.
With over 225 publicly traded REITs in the U.S. and countless privately held REITs, talent is constantly demanded. Jobs in REITs range from entry-level analyst positions to senior asset management, development, and executive leadership roles. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and industry estimates, employment in the real estate sector, including REITs, is expected to grow by 5% between 2020 and 2030, adding tens of thousands of jobs.
Types of Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts
The diversity of jobs in REITs makes the industry appealing to people with different backgrounds and expertise. Here’s a breakdown of some of the primary roles within REITs and what each entails:
- Real Estate Analyst
- Role: Real estate analysts are responsible for evaluating potential property acquisitions, conducting financial analysis, and assessing market trends.
- Skills Needed: Strong financial modeling skills, knowledge of real estate markets, and proficiency in software like Excel and Argus.
- Salary: Entry-level analysts can expect an annual salary of around $60,000 – $80,000 (source: Glassdoor).
- Asset Manager
- Role: Asset managers oversee a portfolio of properties, working to maximize returns through strategic planning, leasing, and budgeting.
- Skills Needed: Financial acumen, understanding of property management, and strong organizational skills.
- Salary: Median salaries for REIT asset managers can range from $90,000 to $150,000, depending on experience and location (source: Nareit).
- Acquisitions Associate
- Role: Acquisitions associates are involved in sourcing and evaluating potential property purchases, negotiating deals, and working closely with the finance team.
- Skills Needed: Strong negotiation skills, market knowledge, and financial analysis capabilities.
- Salary: Experienced acquisition associates can earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually (source: Salary.com).
- Property Manager
- Role: Property managers handle the day-to-day operations of a property, ensuring that it is maintained, tenants are satisfied, and the property is operating efficiently.
- Skills Needed: Excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of property management software, and budgeting skills.
- Salary: Property managers in REITs typically earn $50,000 to $85,000 annually (source: Indeed).
- Development Manager
- Role: Development managers oversee new construction projects or major renovations for REIT properties, working with contractors, architects, and city officials.
- Skills Needed: Project management, familiarity with construction processes, and negotiation skills.
- Salary: Development managers can earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually (source: Glassdoor).
- Investor Relations Specialist
- Role: Investor relations specialists communicate with shareholders and the public, ensuring investors are informed about the REIT’s performance and strategy.
- Skills Needed: Strong communication skills, knowledge of finance, and an understanding of public relations.
- Salary: For investor relations roles in REITs, Salaries range from $70,000 to $110,000 (source: LinkedIn Jobs).
- IT and Data Analytics Roles
- Role: IT specialists and data analysts work on property technology (PropTech) solutions, manage data related to property performance, and help the REIT leverage technology for strategic advantage.
- Skills Needed: Expertise in data analysis, software development, and real estate tech trends.
- Salary: IT and data analytics roles in REITs can command salaries between $80,000 and $130,000 (source: Indeed).
Why Work in REITs?
A REIT career can be both lucrative and fulfilling, especially for those interested in real estate, finance, and asset management. REITs offer the opportunity to work in an industry that is both stable and growing, as demand for real estate assets typically remains strong, even during economic downturns. In addition, REITs often provide structured career paths, with opportunities to move up to senior roles in asset management, development, and acquisitions.
Working in REITs also offers exposure to large-scale, high-profile real estate projects. Many REITs own and manage iconic properties in prime locations, such as high-rise office buildings, luxury shopping centers, and significant apartment complexes. For those passionate about urban development, architecture, and real estate, REITs provide a chance to be directly involved in shaping the physical landscape of cities and communities.
Job Outlook and Growth in the REIT Sector
As REITs continue to expand globally, job opportunities in the sector are expected to grow. The real estate investment market has become more sophisticated, with increasing use of technology and data-driven strategies, leading to a demand for professionals with skills in data analytics, PropTech, and sustainability. In particular, Green REITs, which focus on sustainable and energy-efficient properties, are an emerging trend, creating roles for experts in environmental science, sustainable architecture, and energy management.
Moreover, with the ongoing urbanization and the growth of e-commerce, there is a rising demand for specialized REITs, such as industrial REITs focused on warehousing and logistics properties. These trends will likely drive job growth in logistics management, property development, and market analysis.
Conclusion
Real Estate Investment Trusts offer a range of career opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets, from finance and investment to property management and technology. With thousands of jobs available in the U.S. alone and more emerging globally, REITs are attractive for professionals looking to combine financial expertise with a tangible impact on communities and cities.
As Sarah discovered, working in REITs means being part of a dynamic and evolving industry. Whether you’re an analyst, a manager, or a tech specialist, the REIT sector offers a promising career path in a market that shows no signs of slowing down. REITs might be the perfect fit for those interested in building a career with stability, growth potential, and the chance to be involved in transformative real estate projects.
