Real estate analyst vs broker — which career path pays better long term?

I'm trying to decide between pursuing the real estate analyst certification path or going the broker/agent route. Both require exam prep and ongoing education, but the day-to-day work and compensation structures are completely different. Analysts work on underwriting and portfolio management while agents/brokers earn transaction-based commissions.

From a pure income standpoint, top brokers can out-earn analysts significantly — but the variance is enormous and the ramp-up period is brutal. The analyst path through the real estate certification credential seems more stable, with institutional firms offering base salaries and structured career progression.

I've been using the REA Market Research and Analysis practice quiz to prep for the analytical side, and honestly the depth of market analysis tested would be completely irrelevant to a transactional agent role. The skills aren't interchangeable.

For anyone working as a real estate agent or analyst — what's the ceiling look like at the 10-year mark? I want to make a strategic decision rather than defaulting to whoever gets back to me first with a job offer.