10 Best Paying Real Estate Jobs In 2022 | FortuneBuilders (2024)

Key Takeaways

    1. Mortgage Loan Officer |2. Real Estate Attorney |3. Real Estate Agent | 4. Compliance Specialist | 5. New Home Sales Consultant |

    6. Realtor |7. Real Estate Broker | 8. Property Accountant |9. Real Estate Investment Consultant | 10. Real Estate Appraiser

The real estate field is rife with job opportunities for people who are motivated to be their own boss and set their own schedule. But one thing that sets real estate apart from most other “be your own boss” opportunities is that you actually have significant earnings potential. Certain jobs in certain locations will pay well over $100,000 per year.

That said, there are big differences between different real estate jobs, both in terms of the job description and the potential salary. We’re about to discuss the ten best paying jobs in real estate, based on the latest year’s averages. From highest- to lowest-paying, these are:

  1. Mortgage Loan Officer

  2. Real Estate Attorney

  3. Real Estate Agent

  4. Compliance Specialist

  5. New Home Sales Consultant

  6. Realtor

  7. Real Estate Broker

  8. Property Accountant

  9. Real Estate Investment Consultant

  10. Real Estate Appraiser

Let’s take a closer look at each one of them.

[ Do you have what it takes to run your own real estate business? Register for a FREE webinar, where you can learn from experts how to replicate successful business systems. ]


1. Mortgage Loan Officer

Job description: When a person takes out a mortgage, they partner with a mortgage loan originator (MLO). An MLO is a business or an individual that helps homebuyers get approved for the right loan for their needs. The MLO can be a lending institution, which helps you choose from their loan options. It can also be a mortgage broker who presents options from multiple lenders. Alternatively, it could be a loan officer.

A loan officer is an individual who acts as an MLO. A potential homebuyer provides them with information on their financial situation and the property they want to buy. The loan officer then shops around for different loan options, and presents their best recommendations to the homebuyer. Like many real estate jobs, becoming a mortgage loan officer requires you to earn a state license, and you’ll also need to obtain a national accreditation. The various certifications required help make this one of the best paying jobs in real estate.

US average annual salary: $152,639

10 Best Paying Real Estate Jobs In 2022 | FortuneBuilders (1)

2. Real Estate Attorney

Job description: A real estate attorney, or real estate lawyer, is a lawyer who specializes in real estate law. This requires special licensing, over and above passing the bar exam. As you might imagine, their job is to provide assistance with the legal and contractual details surrounding a home sale.

Real estate attorneys can work for either the seller or the buyer. The mortgage lender will also have their own attorney involved in the transaction in some cases. This means that there could be as many as three different attorneys sitting around the table at any given real estate closing.

A real estate lawyer is specially trained in the preparation of real estate contracts. They will also review documents that have been sent by other parties, and make sure the transaction is in your favor. They can also be in charge of the closing process, although that task more than often falls to a real estate agent.

US average annual salary: $95,701

3. Real Estate Agent

Job description: Real estate agents are individuals who have been trained and licensed to negotiate real estate transactions. An agent acts on behalf of the buyer or the seller, and tries to get them the best possible deal. They walk you through the entire process, from the first showing to the closing.

As we discussed, agents can work for either the buyer or the seller. Agents who specialize in representing buyers are known as buyer’s agents. Agents who specialize in representing sellers are known as listing agents. Many real estate agents work as both listing and buyer’s agents, but not on the same transaction. An agent would only represent both parties in a deal between family or close friends.

Real estate agents don’t earn a direct salary. Instead, they’re compensated in the form of a commission, which is a percentage of the home’s sale price. In most cases, the buyer’s agent and the listing agent both earn between 2.5%-3% in commission. Earn commission on a property with a massive sale price and you will quickly see why this can be one of the best paying jobs in real estate.

US average annual salary: $85,081

4. Compliance Specialist

Job description: A compliance specialist, often known as a compliance officer, is a professional who typically works for a developer or commercial business. They are experts in local regulations, and their job is to ensure that all developments and transactions are legal. Compliance specialists can also be employed to conduct an official audit if a company is under investigation.

US average annual salary: $82,644

5. New Home Sales Consultant

Job description: A new home sales consultant works for a property developer, and promotes newly-constructed homes to potential buyers. You’ll be responsible for giving tours of the model homes, and explaining all of their amenities. Depending on the development, you’ll also need to show various floor plans.

This job doesn’t just involve passively waiting for people to come in and ask for a showing. Consultants are also expected to reach out to new clients, whether through networking events or referrals. The job requires a high level of professionalism and social grace, since you’re acting as the face of your company.

US average annual salary: $78,952

6. Realtor

Job description: New home buyers often get confused between real estate agents and realtors. We’ve already talked about real estate agents, but what is it that makes a realtor different?

Like a real estate agent, a realtor acts as a representative for a buyer or a seller. They negotiate pricing, as well as other contract conditions. They arrange the details of the closing, and help ensure that the entire transaction goes smoothly. And just like real estate agents, realtors must be licensed by the state.

In fact, all realtors are real estate agents, but not all real estate agents are realtors. Realtors have joined the National Association of Realtors (NAR). From the perspective of a buyer or seller, a realtor can provide a better value, since they’re required to conform to the NAR’s code of ethics, which is famously strict.

US average annual salary: $78,447

7. Real Estate Broker

Job description: A real estate broker is a licensed real estate license who has also been certified as a broker. Because they’re licensed agents, they can do all the things a real estate agent can do. This includes acting as a buyer’s agent or listing agent, handling paperwork, and negotiating the details of a transaction.

However, brokers are also responsible for ensuring that real estate transactions follow all applicable laws. They’re required to guarantee that all paperwork has been completed correctly, and that escrow accounts and other funds are handled appropriately.

A broker can work either for a brokerage or as a sole proprietor. All real estate agents are required by law to work for a broker. A brokerage firm then guarantees that the agent is following all applicable laws. In the case of a sole proprietor, it’s the individual broker who makes a guarantee.

US average annual salary: $72,626

8. Property Accountant

Job description: A property accountant’s job is to oversee the financial side of real estate transactions. They can work in any sector, from residential to commercial to industrial properties, and even for rentals and leases. Most property management companies employ one or more accountants to ensure their books are in order.

US average annual salary: $65,832

9. Real Estate Investment Consultant

Job description: A real estate investment consultant acts as an advisor to individual clients about their real estate investments. They research potential purchases and construction projects, and provide an analysis so their clients can make sound investment choices.

US average annual salary: $62,824

10. Real Estate Appraiser

Job description: A real estate appraiser inspects properties, and provides an estimate of what the property is worth. This information can be used by potential investors, or provided to prospective lenders as part of the mortgage approval process. Beginning appraisers are required to work under the supervision of a certified general appraiser. After earning their certification, they’re allowed to work on their own.

US average annual salary: $62,521

Highest-Paying States For Real Estate Agents

The average salary for a real estate agent is dependent on the market, average home prices, clients and other factors. Numbers can vary widely from city to city, and even more so when comparing different states or regions. Here are the top five highest-paying states for real estate agents:

  • New York: $102,200

  • Massachusetts: $94,100

  • Colorado: $81,210

  • Connecticut: $78,540

  • California: $76,750

Summary

As you can see, there are plenty of job opportunities available in the real estate field. Whether you want to negotiate transactions, estimate property values, or oversee the loan process, there are plenty of possible certifications you can earn. Whatever your interests may be, it’s likely that one of the best paying jobs in real estate will be a good fit.

Ready to start taking advantage of the current opportunities in the real estate market?

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10 Best Paying Real Estate Jobs In 2022 | FortuneBuilders (2024)

FAQs

10 Best Paying Real Estate Jobs In 2022 | FortuneBuilders? ›

The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $48,340 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,170.

What did the highest 10 percent earn in real estate? ›

The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $48,340 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,270, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,170.

What is the top salary for real estate agents? ›

Real Estate Agent Salary in California
Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top Earners$146,884$71
75th Percentile$97,922$47
Average$93,212$45
25th Percentile$58,753$28

What is the projected job growth for a real estate agent? ›

What is realtor salary? ›

How to make $1,000,000 in real estate? ›

How To Make A Million Dollars In Real Estate
  1. Learn About Real Estate Investing.
  2. Establish Your Goals.
  3. Start Now, But Start Small.
  4. Write Offers For Affordable Deals.
  5. Generate Cash Flow.
  6. Start Growing Your Portfolio.
  7. Invest In Larger Properties.
  8. Continue Growing To 1 Million Dollars.

How to make $1,000,000 year from real estate? ›

If You're Going to Dream, Dream Big (and Plan Even Bigger) Consider what it would take to make $1 million in gross commissions your first year selling real estate (before expenses and taxes). It would involve selling approximately $50 million of real property with an average salesperson commission of 2%.

What field of real estate pays the most? ›

From highest- to lowest-paying, these are:
  • Mortgage Loan Officer.
  • Real Estate Attorney.
  • Real Estate Agent.
  • Compliance Specialist.
  • New Home Sales Consultant.
  • Realtor.
  • Real Estate Broker.
  • Property Accountant.

Where do realtors make the most money? ›

Real estate agents in high cost of living cities such as New York and San Francisco tend to be the highest earners.

Who is the highest paid realtor in the US? ›

Ben Caballero, a current Guinness World Record title holder and No. 1-ranked real estate agent in the U.S., set a new record for home sales in Dallas-Ft.

Is real estate stressful? ›

However, being a realtor is not all glamorous showings and easy sales. In fact, the reality of the job is often much more stressful than many anticipate. The emotional toll of selling homes can take a significant toll on realtors, leading to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

Is real estate a good investment in 2023? ›

In my opinion, real estate is one intelligent option to consider in 2023, as it often has excellent returns, tax advantages and provides diversification even in the face of a challenging economic climate. Real estate also has the potential to compound your investment.

How is math used in real estate? ›

Real Estate Math Formulas: Math formulas help you solve problems you'll encounter frequently as an agent. These include the Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM) Formula, the Commission Formula, Simple Interest Formula, Loan to Value Ratio (LTV), and more.

What is the highest paying occupation? ›

Highest-Paying Occupations
OCCUPATION2022 MEDIAN PAYPERCENTAGE INCREASE OVER NATIONAL MEDIAN
Chief Executives$189,520309.20%
Orthodontists$174,360276.50%
Computer and Information Systems Managers$164,070254.30%
Architectural and Engineering Managers$159,920245.30%
17 more rows

Why do realtors make so much money? ›

Why do real estate agents make more money from sales? Selling home costs money, but a large part of that is the agent's commission, which can be used for advertising and other expenses. Real estate agents are paid so much mainly because their properties generate income.

How much money do real estate agents make in NYC? ›

As of May 30, 2023, the average annual pay for a First Year Real Estate Agent in New York is $89,370 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $42.97 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,718/week or $7,447/month.

Is real estate the fastest way to get rich? ›

There is no quick way to make money or get rich in real estate, but you can grow wealth gradually and consistently by investing correctly. You are probably aware that there are numerous ways to accumulate wealth, but real estate is one of the most effective.

Why real estate creates 90% of millionaires? ›

Federal tax benefits

Because of the many tax benefits, real estate investors often end up paying less taxes overall even as they are bringing in more income. This is why many millionaires invest in real estate. Not only does it make you money, but it allows you to keep a lot more of the money you make.

What is the fastest way to make money in real estate? ›

The most common way to make money in real estate is through appreciation—an increase in the property's value that is realized when you sell. Location, development, and improvements are the primary ways that residential and commercial real estate can appreciate in value.

Does real estate create 90% of millionaires? ›

90% of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” This famous quote from Andrew Carnegie, one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs of all time, is just as relevant today as it was more than a century ago. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world have built their wealth through real estate.

Can I afford a 1 million dollar house if I make 100k a year? ›

Experts suggest you might need an annual income between $100,000 to $225,000, depending on your financial profile, in order to afford a $1 million home. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), credit score, down payment and interest rate all factor into what you can afford.

What is the average age to make a million? ›

How old is the average millionaire? The average millionaire is 57 years old. This is because it takes smart financial decisions, hard work, and wise investments to become a millionaire, most of which don't fully pay off until around the age of 50 or 60.

How can I make extra money in real estate? ›

How To Make Money In Real Estate: A Guide For Beginners
  1. Leverage Appreciating Value. Most real estate appreciates over time. ...
  2. Buy And Hold Real Estate For Rent. ...
  3. Flip A House. ...
  4. Purchase Turnkey Properties. ...
  5. Invest In Real Estate. ...
  6. Make The Most Of Inflation. ...
  7. Refinance Your Mortgage.
Mar 31, 2023

What do most realtors major in? ›

Popular majors for future real estate agents include marketing, finance, accounting, psychology, and business. Even though going to college isn't required, you may find it helpful to complete a degree or certificate program to gain knowledge that would help you succeed as a real estate agent.

What type of broker makes the most money? ›

High Paying Brokerage Professional Jobs
  • Stock Broker. Salary range: $65,000-$225,000 per year. ...
  • Broker Associate. Salary range: $30,000-$120,000 per year. ...
  • Commodity Broker. Salary range: $30,000-$105,000 per year. ...
  • Energy Broker. Salary range: $58,500-$70,000 per year. ...
  • Broker. ...
  • Broker Assistant. ...
  • Brokerage Clerk.

Why do realtors do highest and best? ›

As the seller, you usually ask for the highest and best offer to eliminate negotiations and expedite the deal. It lets buyers know you're looking for only the most serious offers. Conversely, with a best and final offer, you're asking buyers to go above and beyond the competition to convince you to sell to them.

Where do real estate agents make the least money? ›

10 States Where Real Estate Agents Earn The Least Money
RankState2017 Mean Annual Wage
1Ohio$41,650
2Arkansas$41,660
3Montana$42,010
4Indiana$43,230
6 more rows
Jan 28, 2019

What company owns the most real estate? ›

The largest real estate company in the USA is Coldwell Banker. Founded in 1906, Coldwell Banker has over 100 years of experience buying and selling homes that they share with the people they work for. It has a total of 3000 offices and even exists in more than 49 countries.

Are most millionaires real estate agents? ›

More importantly, real estate remains a wealth-building tool for the majority of moguls. An estimated ninety percent of millionaires were created through real estate investing. Any billionaire in the U.S. or anywhere around the globe that you know of has invested in real estate in some form or the other.

Who owns the most real estate? ›

Who Is the Largest Landowner in the U.S.? The largest landowners in the United States are the Emmerson family, with 2,330,000 acres of land. Red Emmerson, the patriarch of the family, founded Sierra Pacific Industries in Anderson, CA.

How risky is real estate as a career? ›

There are three main risks to becoming a real estate agent. They can be divided into the unpredictability of the housing market, stress from many areas, and legal issues. Safety is also a concern, as you're often working with clients who you've never met before. Is real estate a dying career?

Why did you quit real estate? ›

Some common reasons why realtors may choose to leave their jobs could include feeling burned out from the long hours and high pressure of the job, feeling like they are not earning enough money, or simply wanting to try something new.

What is the toughest thing about being in real estate? ›

The 5 Hardest Things About Being a Realtor
  • Uncertainty about real estate market. This is perhaps one of the biggest uncertainties realtors have to deal with on a daily basis. ...
  • Constantly being on the go. ...
  • Commission is by no means a guarantee. ...
  • Being underpaid for hard work. ...
  • Dealing with difficult clients.

How to make money in real estate in 2023? ›

  1. House Flipping. Fix and flips are one of the most popular methods of making money in the real estate market. ...
  2. Rental Properties. Another way to invest in real estate is to buy property directly. ...
  3. House Hacking. ...
  4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) ...
  5. Online Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms.
Jan 11, 2023

Why buying real estate in 2023 is smart? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

Is real estate better than stocks? ›

While stocks are a well-known investment option, not everyone knows that buying real estate is also considered an investment. Under the right circ*mstances, real estate can be an alternative to stocks, offering lower risk, yielding better returns, and providing greater diversification.

Can you be a real estate agent if your not good at math? ›

If you want to become a real estate agent, you'll need to understand basic math concepts to successfully complete the real estate exam and calculate day-to-day transactions in real life. The following are instances in which real estate agents need to know math: Real estate exam. Determining square footage.

What kind of math do realtors use? ›

Simple math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) is used in determining housing prices. Slightly more complicated math (using exponents) is used in calculating amortization schedules. Trigonometry and geometry is used in surveying plots of land.

What is the T method in math? ›

Introducing the parameter t=tanθ2 turns out to be a very useful tool in solving certain types of trigonometric equations and also in finding certain integrals involving trigonometric functions. The basic idea is to relate sinθ, cosθ and even tanθ to the tangent of half the angle.

What professions make $300000 a year? ›

What jobs make $300,000 per year?
  • Radiologist.
  • Chief executive officer (CEO)
  • Chief financial officer (CFO)
  • Principal software architect.
  • Obstetrics and gynecology physician.
  • Emergency medicine physician.
  • Psychiatrist.
  • Physician.
Mar 10, 2023

How to make 300k a year? ›

With that in mind, you need to know in detail what it takes to get one of these jobs that pay over 300k a year.
  1. Radiologist. ...
  2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ...
  3. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ...
  4. Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician. ...
  5. Anesthesiologist. ...
  6. Emergency Medicine Physician. ...
  7. Oncologist. ...
  8. Dermatologist.
Sep 2, 2022

What is the happiest high paying job? ›

25 of the Happiest Jobs With a Good Starting Salary
  1. Entrepreneur. Average Salary: The average salary for an entrepreneur is almost $71,000 per year. ...
  2. Human Resources Manager. ...
  3. Graphic Designer. ...
  4. Real Estate Agent. ...
  5. Nurse Practitioner. ...
  6. Physician Assistant. ...
  7. Veterinarian. ...
  8. Fashion Designer.

What are the cons of being a realtor? ›

One of the biggest cons of this job is the amount of patience it requires. It may take a new real estate agent months to find their first client or close their deal. There is a lot of work that agents do before they ever see the profits, such as prospecting, advertising, and conducting open houses.

Why are real estate agents so happy? ›

The ability to help people. When you work as a real estate agent, you're helping people make the most important financial decision of their lives. You're also helping them find homes where they will create cherished memories for years to come. This gives many real estate agents a high amount of job satisfaction.

How much do top realtors make? ›

Each real estate office sets its own standards for top producers, but it's safe to say that a top producer would have to sell at least one home per month to qualify. Top producers earn around $112,610 a year to start, according to the BLS. 1 Mega-stars could earn $500,000 per year and up.

How much do rental agents make in NYC? ›

How much does a Rental Agent make in New York City, New York? As of May 29, 2023, the average annual pay for a Rental Agent in New York City is $41,877 a year.

How much does a real estate broker assistant earn in NYC? ›

The average salary for a real estate assistant in New York is $51,500 per year.

How much does a real estate broker assistant earn in New York? ›

The average Broker Assistant salary in New York, NY is $52,931 as of May 01, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $51,708 and $67,327.

What is the highest 10 percent earn? ›

How much money do you need to make to be in the top 1%, 5%, and 10% in the US?
  • Top 10% income. The average earnings of those in the top 10% were roughly $173,000 in 2020, according to a study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). ...
  • Top 5% income. ...
  • Top 1% income. ...
  • What's the average American's income?
Apr 17, 2023

What did the lowest 10 percent earn real estate agent? ›

Nationwide, real estate agent salaries range from an average of $28,270 for the bottom 10th percentile up to $102,170 in the top 10th percentile.

What is the 10% rule in real estate? ›

A good rule is that a 1% increase in interest rates will equal 10% less you are able to borrow but still keep your same monthly payment. It's said that when interest rates climb, every 1% increase in rate will decrease your buying power by 10%. The higher the interest rate, the higher your monthly payment.

Do around 90% of millionaires make their wealth from real estate? ›

90% of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” This famous quote from Andrew Carnegie, one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs of all time, is just as relevant today as it was more than a century ago.

What is the top 5 income in the US? ›

$342,987

What is the top 1% income in the US? ›

What It Takes to Be in the Top 1% by State – 2023 Edition. The gap between the top 1% of earners and average Americans is stark. In fact, the average American household earns a median income of under $70,000, but in some places, the top 1% can earn as much as $955,000.

What is the top 1% income in the world? ›

According to Credit Suisse, individuals with more than $1 million in wealth sit in the top 1 percent bracket. The billionaire class is $2.6 trillion richer than before the pandemic, even if billionaire fortunes slightly fell in 2022 after their record-smashing peak in 2021.

Where do Realtors make the most money? ›

Real estate agents in high cost of living cities such as New York and San Francisco tend to be the highest earners.

Why is 70% in real estate? ›

The 70% rule helps home flippers determine the maximum price they should pay for an investment property. Basically, they should spend no more than 70% of the home's after-repair value minus the costs of renovating the property.

What percentage of people fail in real estate? ›

Being a successful real estate agent is easier said than done. After all, there's a reason 87% of real estate agents fail. However, knowing the mistakes these realtors make, such as failing to follow up with clients or not having adequate funding, can help you prepare and grow a successful real estate business.

What is the 36 rule in real estate? ›

A household should spend a maximum of 28% of its gross monthly income on total housing expenses according to this rule, and no more than 36% on total debt service. This includes housing and other debt such as car loans and credit cards. Lenders often use this rule to assess whether to extend credit to borrowers.

What is 50 rule in real estate? ›

Like many rules of real estate investing, the 50 percent rule isn't always accurate, but it can be a helpful way to estimate expenses for rental property. To use it, an investor takes the property's gross rent and multiplies it by 50 percent, providing the estimated monthly operating expenses. That sounds easy, right?

What is the 80% rule in real estate? ›

The 80% rule means that an insurer will only fully cover the cost of damage to a house if the owner has purchased insurance coverage equal to at least 80% of the house's total replacement value.

How many houses does the average rich person have? ›

The world's richest people owned on average about four homes in 2022.

Why are most millionaires in real estate? ›

Because of the many tax benefits, real estate investors often end up paying less taxes overall even as they are bringing in more income. This is why many millionaires invest in real estate. Not only does it make you money, but it allows you to keep a lot more of the money you make.

How do the rich get richer with real estate? ›

The most popular way is to buy an investment property and slowly build up your portfolio. Generally, there are two primary ways to make money from real estate assets — appreciation, which is an increase in property value over a period of time, and rental income collected by renting out the property to tenants.

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