LinkedIn says real estate is one of the hottest industries for entry-level workers—One Gen Z sales agent made $75K his first year with no experience

This summer, millions of students are turning their tassels and heading into an uncertain job market. Aside from looking into the crowded fields of big tech and Wall Street, Gen Zers may have luck getting into real estate. Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent. In April, Linked In ranked real estate as the second fastest-growing sector for new grads over the last three years, spanning those who recently completed their high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s, or apprenticeship. Real estate is only topped by popular industries like technology, information, and media, but still ranks higher than others like financial services, utilities, and construction. The jobs platform also identified new home sales specialists as the third fastest-growing role in the United States, according to a different 2026 report. Kory Kantenga, head of economics, Americas at LinkedIn, tells Fortune that the real estate industry is particularly fruitful for early-career workers. While other employers are pulling back on junior-level hiring, real estate firms are continuing to invest in business functions that lead to tangible growth. And as the sector touches everything from home transactions to development to housing, there are more early-career avenues tied to “housing demand, commercial growth, and infrastructure expansion.” Pursuing a real estate job may raise questions in the current housing market, but LinkedIn found the industry has “endured” despite rising economic uncertainty. “Companies are concentrating hiring in areas tied directly to growth and revenue, which real estate supports across all sectors of the economy,” Kantenga explains. “Commercial real estate development, infrastructure investment, and housing are still driving hiring, even in a low momentum labor market.” Real estate is also perfect for the fresh-faced graduates switching up employment strategies in an ever-changing job market. Kantenga points out that youn