- 88.1% of CRE professionals received a salary increase in 2025, with average raises at 4.7%, according to RCLCO’s latest compensation survey.
- Top executives saw the least pay growth, with only 68.2% getting raises and a 10.8% average cut for those who didn’t.
- Equity incentives remain concentrated at the top, with nearly 95% of executive managers holding long-term plans compared to 10.4% of junior staff.
Most Employees Got Raises—But Not Equally
The majority of CRE professionals earned higher pay in 2025, reports Globe St. RCLCO’s National Real Estate Compensation & Benefits Survey found that 88.1% saw an increase. Promotions led to the biggest gains, with an average boost of 8.9%. Those who didn’t get promoted still received a 4.2% raise on average.
However, compensation trends diverged sharply by job level.
Salary Growth Varies by Role
- Exempt employees: 86.9% saw raises (avg. 4.5%). Just 1.4% took cuts.
- Non-exempt workers: 82.7% received increases (avg. 4.3%). Only 1.2% saw decreases.
- Senior managers: 83.6% got raises (avg. 4.8%). About 1.4% faced cuts.
- Top executives: Only 68.2% earned raises (avg. 5.0%). A higher share—2.1%—took hits, with average cuts of 10.8%.
Forecasts for 2026 suggest more modest increases. Raises will likely range from 3.8% to 4.1% depending on job class.
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Incentives Favor Executives
Long-term incentive plans remain highly concentrated among senior leadership. About 94.8% of executive managers hold them, along with 69.4% of senior managers. Only 23.9% of mid-level professionals and 10.4% of junior staff receive these benefits.
Experts Note a Slower Market, Strategic Pay Planning
Kate Keller of Keller Augusta says firms are approaching compensation planning with care. Many reward top performers through bonuses, while others tie base raises to inflation. She adds that high hiring costs are also shaping pay decisions.
Stephanie D’Amico of CrossMarc Services believes slower deal activity is affecting compensation. “Deals are moving slower than they used to,” she says, pointing to post-Covid dynamics.
Anthony Saitta from FTI Consulting notes that a recent drop in equity values created room for a reset. His firm helps companies design new long-term compensation plans that align with future value recovery. Some firms are also identifying internal successors during this slow period. Recent economic signals point to sluggish overall growth in CRE, which could further temper salary increases and hiring momentum in 2026.
Gregory Jones, a Manhattan-based owner and operator, says headcount growth has stalled. “Most owners are dealing with troubled properties now worth much less,” he says. “Downsizing has become the norm.”
Why It Matters
Most CRE professionals saw base pay grow in 2025, but the benefits were not evenly spread. Executives faced more cuts, while incentive plans continued to favor higher-level roles. This shift reflects a cautious, performance-driven approach in a slower market.
What’s Next
Wage growth is expected to cool in 2026. Companies will likely focus on retention, modest raises, and internal promotions. Many will also rethink incentive structures as the market recalibrates.
