RETS Associates Survey of Financial Analysts Highlights Evolving Workforce

The 2026 RETS Associates Financial Analyst Survey reveals a commercial real estate workforce evolving alongside rising compensation, expanding AI adoption and changing career expectations. Now in its 15th year, the survey highlights a generation of analysts earning more, strengthening their financial expertise, and increasingly incorporating AI into their daily work. Yet career mobility remains high, with nearly two-thirds pursuing new opportunities and professional growth emerging as their biggest concern.

Average base salary reached $126,890 in 2026, up 7.9% from 2025. “Compensation is the headline this year,” said Kent Elliott, principal of RETS Associates. “Firms are paying more to keep experienced talent, and analysts who keep growing are being rewarded for it.”

Sixty-three percent of survey respondents have pursued a new role, down slightly from 66% in 2025. Growth potential and compensation were the top reasons for looking. New York, Orange County, Los Angeles and the Bay Area were the top relocation destinations.

Arguably the biggest change from last year is in AI adoption.  In 2026, 33% of respondents said AI is actively transforming their work, while another 40% reported a meaningful impact. Last year, only 3% reported a significant impact.