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Real estate developer vs property manager

The differences between real estate developers and property managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a real estate developer and a property manager. Additionally, a real estate developer has an average salary of $93,510, which is higher than the $49,958 average annual salary of a property manager.

The top three skills for a real estate developer include financial statements, property management and due diligence. The most important skills for a property manager are customer service, property management, and financial reports.

Real estate developer vs property manager overview

Real Estate DeveloperProperty Manager
Yearly salary$93,510$49,958
Hourly rate$44.96$24.02
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs87,86515,402
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4848
Years of experience66

What does a real estate developer do?

A real estate developer obtains and develops land, turning it into a real estate asset. Part of their job is to conduct extensive research and analyses, coordinate with experts, gather and analyze data, negotiate with land sellers, and prepare properties for development. They also oversee construction operations from planning to execution, set budgets and guidelines, establish timelines and objectives, generate leads for potential clients, and maintain an active communication line with contractors for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a property manager do?

Property managers are responsible for overseeing the real estate properties of their clients. They manage property rentals and leasing and ensure that the terms on these rentals are by what the owner is amenable to. Property managers act as the representative of their client during negotiations and deals. They also set rental prices and other finance-related items since they are familiar with how the market looks. Besides dealing with financial matters, they also manage administrative matters such as enforcing rules and policies, crafting reports, managing contractors, and drafting related documents.

Real estate developer vs property manager salary

Real estate developers and property managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Real Estate DeveloperProperty Manager
Average salary$93,510$49,958
Salary rangeBetween $66,000 And $131,000Between $34,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityCatonsville, MDNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew Jersey
Best paying companyRSM USNokia
Best paying industryMediaProfessional

Differences between real estate developer and property manager education

There are a few differences between a real estate developer and a property manager in terms of educational background:

Real Estate DeveloperProperty Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Real estate developer vs property manager demographics

Here are the differences between real estate developers' and property managers' demographics:

Real Estate DeveloperProperty Manager
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 66.9% Female, 33.1%Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.4% White, 63.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 63.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between real estate developer and property manager duties and responsibilities

Real estate developer example responsibilities.

  • Manage segment's treasury function including equity forecasting and investment requests as well as lender relations in a difficult banking environment.
  • Convert FTTH's accounting to QuickBooks
  • Install windows, doors and put on metal roof.
  • Remodel entire building, add bathroom, and double glaze windows for views of mountains.
  • Assist in the preparation of GAAP, statutory, management, and other financial reporting on monthly and quarterly basis.
  • Conduct semi-annual asset valuations and pro-forma analyses using ARGUS and self-developed models.
  • Show more

Property manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage condominiums for individual investors; enforce lease requirements/community policies.
  • Design and manage all company facebook accounts for residents and prospective residents regarding property information and general interest articles.
  • Update resident and unit information utilizing property management software (OneSite )
  • Maintain OSHA files, employee files, payroll files and staff PTO accruals.
  • Record journal entries for accruals.
  • Process applications and coordinate lease signing with new residents in YARDI.
  • Show more

Real estate developer vs property manager skills

Common real estate developer skills
  • Financial Statements, 14%
  • Property Management, 10%
  • Due Diligence, 8%
  • General Contractors, 7%
  • Payroll, 4%
  • Real Estate Development, 4%
Common property manager skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Property Management, 14%
  • Financial Reports, 7%
  • Real Estate, 6%
  • Yardi, 6%
  • Resident Retention, 3%

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