Real estate isn’t just a profession—it provides an opportunity to shape the world. Whether you’re helping create energetic communities or driving commerce, this high-powered field is about making a lasting impact. As a cornerstone of global economies, the industry offers unlimited opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership. A career in real estate combines high earning potential, flexibility, and the ability to affect communities and landscapes. Whether you’re starting your career journey or looking to pivot, real estate offers diverse pathways tailored to your skills and aspirations.
Note: Salary insights are based on industry data and reported outcomes from Cornell MPS-RE graduates and do not guarantee individual results.
One of the most appealing aspects of a career in real estate is the variety of real estate career paths. From development to finance, real estate offers high earning potential in flexible roles that align with varied interests and expertise. With experience and education, you can carve out a satisfying career trajectory. While entry-level roles provide a solid foundation, seasoned professionals often earn six-figure salaries or higher.
A real estate debt strategist supports the structuring and execution of debt solutions for property acquisitions, developments, or refinancing. They analyze financial statements, conduct market research. Starting salaries for Cornell MPS-RE graduates in this field range between $130,000 and $160,000.
Real estate acquisitions analyst identify and evaluate potential property investments by conducting financial modeling and market research. Their analysis helps drive informed decisions on which assets to pursue, making them a key player in growing a real estate portfolio. Starting salaries range between $120,000 and $150,000.
Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Associates help manage a company’s portfolio of properties by monitoring performance, analyzing operational data, and supporting strategic planning to support data-driven decision making. Salaries for this position can start at up to $140,000.
Real estate equity analysts evaluate investment opportunities, build financial models to forecast returns, and assess the risk-reward profile of potential investments, often for real estate investment trusts (REITs) or private equity firms. Salaries for this position can start at approximately $120,000.
Investment analysts support the evaluation and execution of property investments by building financial models and preparing investment materials.The role blends financial analysis with real estate strategy—and it offers long-term growth in the industry. Annual salaries for the position start at around $116,667.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, real estate offers ample opportunity to redefine your career. Real estate professionals often take a critical step on their career journey by earning a master’s degree or supplementing their undergraduate studies with a real estate minor.
Cornell’s Master’s in Real Estate (MPS-RE) degree from positions graduates as industry leaders. The Paul Rubacha department of real estate provides graduate students with a STEM-designated curriculum and global learning opportunities, that provide expertise in analytics, decision-making, and leadership. In 2024, 100% of Cornell’s MPS-RE graduates accept job offers within six months of graduation and earn an average starting salary of $106,035 within the US.
An undergraduate degree from the Nolan School of Hotel Administration with a minor in real estate combines the expertise in the business of hotel and real estate investment. This unique blend equips students with the tools needed to evaluate, acquire, and manage hospitality assets, making them highly valuable in both the hospitality and real estate fields. Class of 2024 graduates enjoyed an average base salary $82,134 for real estate careers within the US.
The Paul Rubacha Department of Real Estate also offers a real estate minor for non-hospitality undergraduate students who want to enhance their studies with a deeper understanding of the real estate industry.
As the real estate industry evolves, advanced education becomes a key differentiator. The master’s degree in real estate through the Baker Program at Cornell equips students with practical knowledge and innovative tools, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry. Cornell Baker Program graduates emerge with a competitive edge, ready to navigate complex markets and take on new challenges.
With a STEM-designated curriculum rooted in analytics and sustainability, the program aligns with Cornell’s mission to champion responsible, impactful leadership.
Baker Program graduates acquire specialized knowledge in analytics, databases, and technological applications in real estate. Regardless of industry climate, 100% percent of Cornell’s MPS-RE graduates accept job offers within six months after graduation and earn an annual base salary of $106,035 on average.
Professionals in architecture and engineering often find their skills highly transferable to real estate leadership roles. Previous technical training equips them with a deep understanding of design, structure, and systems—skills that translate seamlessly into real estate development, investment, and management. The MPS-RE degree program builds on this foundation with critical knowledge in finance, market analysis, and urban planning, opening doors to positions such as:
Whether you aim to deepen your industry knowledge or pivot into a new career in real estate, Cornell offers unparalleled opportunities. The real estate market is growing, and elite real estate professionals are always in demand. Let Cornell help you navigate those opportunities. Learn more about the offerings application information for the Master’s in Real Estate and hospitality real estate education with the Nolan School of Hotel Administration.