Commercial Real Estate Salaries Have Increased
A new survey of 436 firms found widespread pay raises across the commercial real estate sector.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Commercial
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The 37th National Real Estate Compensation and Benefits Survey revealed that 93.3 percent of commercial real estate companies increased base salaries between 2025 and 2026. The average companywide raise across these firms was 4 percent.
Why it matters
Understanding current compensation trends helps industry participants assess how their own pay or personnel costs compare to the broader market. These figures provide a detailed benchmark for salary expectations within the commercial real estate landscape.
The report covers compensation structures for more than 180 job positions across 436 companies. Participants reported an average salary increase of 4 percent, with 88 percent of firms anticipating further hikes in 2027.
The players
RCLCO
RCLCO is a real estate consulting firm that provides market research, advisory services, and real estate data for investors and developers.
The details
The 450-page survey from RCLCO examined diverse compensation trends, incentive structures, and benefits practices across various property sectors and ownership types. These results highlight consistent wage growth that industry leaders project will continue into the next calendar year.
Timeline
The survey covers salary adjustments made from 2025 to 2026.
Respondents anticipate further salary increases throughout 2027.
Culture Shift
This reporting follows a trend established by the 37th National Real Estate Compensation and Benefits Survey. The findings illustrate a shift toward sustained wage growth within the sector, mirroring broader competitive pressures to retain specialized talent.
Employees in the commercial real estate sector may see these findings as a baseline for salary expectations in their current roles. For hiring managers, these figures provide a necessary benchmark for setting competitive pay packages to secure new staff.
The takeaway
The data confirms that the vast majority of commercial real estate firms are currently adjusting pay scales upward to meet industry standards. Professionals should use these 4 percent average increase figures as a guide when evaluating their own compensation packages.
Further reading
For more on industry employment trends, see the Commercial section.
Live Poll
Do you feel your own wages are keeping pace with general economic growth?
