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Leasing Jobs

Residential and commercial leasing jobs across the United States.

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Key Leasing Capabilities

The skills and strengths employers look for in this field.

Sales & Closing

Converting prospects into signed leases through consultative selling, objection handling, and effective follow-up on inquiries and tours.

Property Tours & Presentation

Showcasing units and spaces in person and virtually, highlighting features, amenities, and value to the target market.

Lease Negotiation & Documentation

Preparing, explaining, and negotiating lease terms, renewals, and concessions while ensuring accurate, compliant paperwork.

Applicant Screening & Qualification

Processing applications, verifying income and background, and applying fair housing and credit criteria consistently.

Market & Competitive Analysis

Monitoring rents, concessions, and absorption in the local submarket to inform pricing and positioning.

CRM & Leasing Software

Managing leads and workflows in platforms such as Yardi, RealPage, Entrata, AppFolio, and commercial CRMs.

Fair Housing & Compliance

Applying federal, state, and local fair housing law and disclosure requirements throughout the leasing process.

Resident & Tenant Relations

Building rapport to drive retention, renewals, referrals, and positive online reviews.

Occupancy & Revenue Management

Managing availability, pricing, and lease expirations to meet occupancy and net operating income targets.

Leasing Market Overview

Leasing roles sit at the revenue-generating core of US real estate, covering everything from multifamily apartment communities to office, retail, and industrial space. Residential leasing professionals drive occupancy and resident retention for property management firms and REITs, while commercial leasing agents and tenant-representation brokers negotiate longer-term deals on behalf of landlords or tenants.

Hiring remains steady, particularly in the multifamily sector where high transaction volume and turnover create consistent demand for leasing consultants and lease-up specialists. Growth in build-to-rent communities and sustained apartment development continue to generate entry-level leasing openings nationwide, especially in high-growth Sun Belt metros.

Compensation structures vary by segment. Residential leasing roles are typically salaried or hourly, often with leasing and renewal commissions plus occupancy-based bonuses. Commercial leasing and tenant-representation roles are more commission-driven, with earnings tied directly to deal volume and lease value, so total pay can far exceed base figures for strong producers.

Licensing requirements depend on the role and state. On-site residential leasing agents are exempt from real estate licensing in many states, while commercial leasing agents and brokers generally must hold an active state real estate license. Industry certifications from the National Apartment Association and commercial bodies such as CCIM and SIOR help candidates stand out and progress into management.

Leasing Salary Guide

Indicative ranges — actual pay varies by location, experience and employer.

RoleTypical Base Salary (USD)ExperienceCommission / Bonus Potential
Leasing Consultant / Agent$34,000 – $45,0000–2 yearsLeasing & renewal commissions, occupancy bonuses
Leasing Coordinator$40,000 – $52,0001–3 yearsModest performance bonus
Lease-Up Specialist$45,000 – $60,0002–4 yearsLease-up velocity bonuses
Leasing Specialist / Associate$42,000 – $55,0002–4 yearsCommission on signed leases
Leasing Manager$55,000 – $80,0004–7 yearsOccupancy & NOI-based bonus
Commercial Leasing Agent$50,000 – $90,000 base3–7 yearsDeal commissions; median total ~$85K, top earners $110K+
Retail / Office Leasing Manager$70,000 – $110,0006+ yearsDeal-based commission & bonus
Tenant Representation BrokerDraw / commission-basedVariesPrimarily commission; strong producers $100K–$250K+

Figures are approximate US averages compiled from Glassdoor, Indoor and ZipRecruiter data (2024–2025) and vary significantly by metro, employer, and deal flow. Commercial and tenant-rep roles are heavily commission-weighted, so total earnings can greatly exceed base salary.

Professional Bodies & Qualifications

State Real Estate License

Required for most commercial leasing agents and brokers, and for residential leasing in some states. Licensing rules and exemptions for on-site apartment staff vary state by state.

NALP

National Apartment Leasing Professional

Entry-level credential from the National Apartment Association (NAA) focused on core residential leasing skills.

CAM

Certified Apartment Manager

NAA credential for on-site multifamily managers covering operations, financials, and resident management — a common next step after leasing.

CAPS

Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor

NAA credential for multi-site and portfolio-level supervisors overseeing leasing and property performance across communities.

CCIM

Certified Commercial Investment Member

Respected commercial real estate designation covering financial, market, and investment analysis relevant to commercial leasing and brokerage.

SIOR

Society of Industrial and Office Realtors

Elite designation for experienced office and industrial brokers, including those focused on leasing and tenant representation.

Career Path & Progression

1

Leasing Consultant / Agent

Entry point handling tours, applications, and lease signings on an apartment community or within a brokerage team. Focus on sales skills and leasing software.

2

Leasing Specialist / Lease-Up Specialist

Takes on higher-complexity assignments such as new-construction lease-ups, mentoring junior agents, or specialized commercial transactions.

3

Leasing Manager

Leads a leasing team, sets pricing and occupancy strategy, trains staff, and owns performance for one or more properties.

4

Regional / Director of Leasing

Oversees leasing across a portfolio, manages budgets and marketing, and sets strategy; commercial equivalents move into senior brokerage or principal roles.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a real estate license to be a leasing agent?
It depends on the role and state. On-site residential leasing consultants are exempt from licensing in many states, but commercial leasing agents and tenant-representation brokers generally must hold an active state real estate license. Always check your specific state's real estate commission rules.
How much can a leasing consultant earn?
Residential leasing consultants in the US typically earn a base of roughly $34,000–$45,000, plus leasing and renewal commissions and occupancy-based bonuses. Total compensation varies by market, employer, and property performance.
What's the difference between residential and commercial leasing?
Residential leasing focuses on apartments and single-family rentals with shorter lease terms, high volume, and salary-plus-commission pay. Commercial leasing covers office, retail, and industrial space with longer, higher-value leases and heavily commission-driven compensation.
What is a lease-up specialist?
A lease-up specialist focuses on filling newly built or newly renovated communities from day one, driving fast absorption to reach stabilized occupancy. These roles reward strong sales skills and often include lease-up velocity bonuses.
What is tenant representation?
Tenant representation brokers work on behalf of businesses looking to lease commercial space, helping them find sites and negotiate favorable terms — the opposite of landlord representation. Compensation is primarily commission-based.
How do I progress from leasing agent to management?
Build a strong leasing and renewal track record, master your leasing software, and pursue certifications such as NALP and then CAM or CAPS from the NAA. These, combined with team-leadership experience, support a move into leasing or property management roles.
Is leasing a good entry point into real estate?
Yes. Leasing is one of the most accessible entry points into property management and real estate, offering hands-on sales, customer service, and operations experience that can lead to management, brokerage, or asset management careers.
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