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Real Estate Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Atoms

Real Estate Development Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About the role As a Real Estate Development Manager (REDM), you act as the CEO of your development projects. You will own end-to-end delivery of EV infrastructure sites; from acquisitions and ...

Atoms

Real Estate Development Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About the role As a Real Estate Development Manager (REDM), you act as the CEO of your development projects. You will own end-to-end delivery of EV infrastructure sites; from acquisitions and ...

Chagee

Manager, Real Estate Development

Irvine, CA

Chagee is seeking a dynamic and deal-focused Real Estate Manager to drive site acquisition and lease execution for new store development across California. This role will be responsible for ...

CHAGEE (CA) LLC

Manager, Real Estate Development

Irvine, CA · On-site

$101.40 - $152.10/hr

Contribute to the development of best‑in‑class real estate processes, scorecards, and approval frameworks to support disciplined North America expansion. Qualifications * 5-7 years of retail real ...

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All JobsReal Estate Development JobsReal Estate Development Jobs in California

Real Estate Development information

See California salary details

$53.8K

$100.9K

$159.9K

How much do real estate development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for real estate development in California is $100,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is real estate development?

Real estate development is the process of creating new buildings or renovating existing properties for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. It involves tasks such as acquiring land, securing financing, obtaining permits, overseeing construction, and managing the eventual sale or lease of the property. Developers coordinate with architects, contractors, government agencies, and investors throughout each stage of a project. The goal is to transform raw land or underutilized properties into valuable assets that meet market demand.

What are the qualifications to get a job in real estate development?

The qualifications to get a job in real estate development vary depending on your responsibilities. For investment and development jobs, the most important thing is money, whether it is from personal wealth or investors. Some developers work specifically with municipal governments or community organizations. If you seek investors, you need to have strong financial skills, good negotiation and presentation tactics, and strategic vision. To become a construction or design worker in real estate development, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or credentials from an apprenticeship and several years of work as a commercial or residential contractor. Marketing professionals need a background in PR or real estate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a real estate developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Real Estate Developer, you need strong project management, financial analysis, and market research skills, often supported by a degree in real estate, business, or a related field. Familiarity with financial modeling software, CAD tools, and zoning or permitting systems is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities set top developers apart. These skills are crucial for successfully managing complex projects, securing investment, and navigating regulatory environments to deliver profitable developments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in real estate development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in real estate development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning regulations, securing project financing, and coordinating with a diverse group of stakeholders including architects, contractors, and government agencies. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong project management skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building a network of reliable partners and staying informed about local market trends can also help mitigate risks and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Real Estate Development vs Real Estate Brokerage?

AspectReal Estate DevelopmentReal Estate Brokerage
Required CredentialsReal estate license, possibly a degree in real estate, finance, or urban planningReal estate license, sales certification
Work EnvironmentProject sites, offices, planning meetingsReal estate offices, property showings, client meetings
Industry UsageInvolved in planning, financing, and constructing new propertiesFacilitates property sales and leasing between buyers and sellers

Real estate development focuses on creating new properties from planning to construction, while real estate brokerage centers on selling and leasing existing properties. Both roles require real estate licenses but differ significantly in daily activities and project involvement.

Do real estate developers make a lot of money?

Real estate developers can earn high incomes, especially when managing large projects or successful developments, but earnings vary widely based on experience, project size, location, and market conditions. Successful developers often require strong financial skills, market knowledge, and access to capital. Income potential increases with experience and a proven track record in the industry.

Is real estate development a good career?

Real estate development is a viable career that involves managing the planning, financing, and construction of property projects. Success requires strong project management skills, knowledge of market trends, and often a background in finance, architecture, or urban planning. It can be financially rewarding but also involves significant risk and long-term commitment.

What exactly do real estate developers do?

Real estate developers plan, design, and oversee the development of new properties or the renovation of existing ones, including residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They coordinate with architects, contractors, and government agencies, secure financing, and manage project timelines to bring developments from concept to completion.
More about Real Estate Development jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Real Estate Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Real Estate Development jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Real Estate Development jobs in California?

For Real Estate Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Real Estate Development jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Real Estate Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Real Estate Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Real Estate Development job openings:

Real Estate Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Real Estate Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,932 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Real Estate Development Manager

Rebel Convenience Stores

Upland, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Real Estate Development Manager to lead the growth and performance of our property portfolio. In this high-impact role, you will identify the highest and best use of our real estate assets, drive strategic development initiatives, and partner with internal and external stakeholders to deliver long-term value.
If you thrive at the intersection of strategy, finance, development, and deal-making, this role offers the opportunity to influence major investment decisions and bring projects from concept to completion.
What You'll Do
  • Lead short- and long-term real estate strategies aligned with corporate goals including developing and growing brand relationships, new store development, expansions, remodels, and lease renewals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and present multimillion-dollar development and acquisition opportunities
  • Drive new store development, expansions, remodels, and lease renewals
  • Conduct market and demographic research to support site selection and investment decisions
  • Negotiate lease terms, development agreements, easements, and construction-related provisions
  • Oversee due diligence, entitlements, zoning, permitting, and full right-to-build approvals
  • Manage timelines, budgets, and project execution from acquisition through completion
  • Build strong relationships with REITs, brokers, developers, landlords, and legal partners
  • Lead property dispositions and manage broker networks to maximize asset value

Requirements
What You Bring
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in real estate development, project management, finance, or related fields
  • Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, GIS, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
  • Five or more years of leadership or supervisory experience
  • Expertise in real estate property and entity valuations
  • Strong financial analysis, valuation, and investment evaluation expertise
  • Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
  • High attention to detail with strong organizational and time-management abilities

Why This Role
This is an opportunity to shape market strategy, influence executive decisions, and directly impact company growth. You will own projects end-to-end and work with cross-functional teams to turn strategy into tangible results.
Compensation for this role is targeted at between $100,000 and $150,000 DOE
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Time Off

Apply