Real Estate Acquisitions Salary and Bonus

Hey all, I'm about a year into my career on the advisory side (capital markets) and looking at moving to a principal-side acquisitions analyst seat. Trying to calibrate what's realistic and would really appreciate any ranges you can share.

For 1st and 2nd year acquisitions analysts:
- What base are you seeing? (NYC)
- Is the bonus a stated target or discretionary, and what % of base does it usually land at?
- How does it differ between funds/REITs and smaller owner-operators or family offices?
- Any first-year sign-on or guaranteed bonus I should ask about?

Thanks in advance!

3 Comments
 

For a 1st or 2nd-year acquisitions analyst role in NYC, here's what the most helpful WSO content suggests:

Base Salary:

  • 1st Year Analysts: Typically range from $60K to $80K.
  • 2nd Year Analysts: Slightly higher, often in the $70K to $90K range.
  • Compensation can vary significantly depending on the type of firm (e.g., REITs, funds, or smaller owner-operators).

Bonus Structure:

  • Bonuses are generally discretionary, though some firms may have a stated target.
  • Bonuses often range from 15% to 20%+ of base salary, with higher percentages more common at larger funds or REITs.
  • Smaller owner-operators or family offices may offer lower bonuses or more variable structures.

Sign-On or Guaranteed Bonuses:

  • While not universal, some firms may offer a sign-on bonus (e.g., $5K to $10K) or a guaranteed first-year bonus to attract talent, especially in competitive markets like NYC.

Differences by Firm Type:

  • Funds/REITs: Tend to offer higher base salaries and bonuses, along with more structured compensation packages.
  • Smaller Owner-Operators/Family Offices: Compensation may be on the lower end of the range, but these roles often provide broader exposure to deals and responsibilities.

If you're transitioning from advisory to acquisitions, highlighting your deal experience and ability to "hit the ground running" can help you negotiate a stronger package. Good luck!

Sources: Life in Acquisitions (Analyst/Associate), Life in Acquisitions (Analyst/Associate), Acquisitions Analyst Compensation, Senior Acquisitions Analyst Comp

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Facilis rerum consequatur quis id. Cum perspiciatis ut sit aut consequuntur beatae molestias. Eum dolor ipsa laborum aliquam ullam voluptatem. Doloremque est et fuga atque minima voluptas ea.

Sapiente aut reprehenderit qui inventore adipisci blanditiis. Perspiciatis minus quos possimus occaecati tenetur maxime similique vitae. Nisi accusamus ut labore.

Accusantium accusamus id dolores. Modi unde consequuntur deleniti. Cum necessitatibus at repudiandae minima voluptatem soluta vel nemo. Maxime quibusdam est odio voluptate ea et molestiae omnis.

Vel quis sed id provident voluptate ut cum eius. Natus rerum incidunt quo. Dolorem asperiores cupiditate maiores vel repellat non consequatur. Quis voluptas ut id maiores. Vel alias consequatur aut qui minus eos. Aut cumque voluptatem accusamus ullam neque.

PropMetrica | Multifamily underwriting template

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (17) $409
  • Associates (58) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”