CareerFacts

All careers › Real Estate Sales Agents

Real estate agent: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$52,830median pay per year, or $25.40 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $32,970lowest 10% earn less
  2. $40,04025th percentile
  3. $52,830median
  4. $82,02075th percentile
  5. $123,590top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[6]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[3]

Real estate agents paid a wage or salary had a median pay of $52,830 a year in May 2025, a little above the median for all occupations[1][2][3]. Getting in takes a high school diploma, state-required courses and a licensing exam, not a college degree[4][5].

Job growth, 2025–35
+1.7%[7]
Openings per year
32,600[8]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[4]

How much do real estate agents make?

The median wage for real estate sales agents was $52,830 a year, or $25.40 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half earned more than that and half earned less[9]. The median for all US occupations was $50,980[3], so the typical agent is paid a little above it.

The average (mean) was higher, at $69,510 a year or $33.42 an hour[10]. When the average sits this far above the median, a group of higher earners is pulling it up.

Pay is spread out widely[6][11]:

Percentile Per year Per hour
10th[6][11] $32,970 $15.85
25th[6][11] $40,040 $19.25
Median[1] $52,830 $25.40
75th[6][11] $82,020 $39.43
90th[6][11] $123,590 $59.42

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $32,970, and the top 10% earned more than $123,590[6]. A percentile is a boundary, not a starting salary[9].

These figures leave out a large part of the field. BLS counted 54.3% of real estate sales agents as self-employed in 2025[12], and the OEWS wage survey does not cover self-employed workers[2]. OEWS pay also excludes employer benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions[2]. So the numbers above describe agents on a wage or salary only.

Pay by state and city

Among the areas with published data, the District of Columbia had the highest median at $123,770, followed by New York at $102,990 and New Jersey at $99,990[13]. Alaska ($89,170) and Nevada ($79,990) came next[13]. Arkansas had the lowest published median, $38,180[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Midland, TX led with a median of $109,760[14]. Reno, NV ($106,190) and the New York-Newark-Jersey City area ($103,550) followed[14].

Florida had the most jobs, 26,790, followed by Texas (22,250), California (17,500), Georgia (9,940) and New York (8,660)[15]. The biggest markets do not always pay the most. Florida's median was $49,310 and Texas's was $45,740, both below the national median of $52,830[13][1]. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro had the most jobs of any metro, 9,160, at a median of $47,080[16]. The New York metro stands out with both a large job count (8,320) and a high median ($103,550)[16].

Show median pay in 47 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[13]$123,770590
New York$102,9908,660
New Jersey$99,990n/a
Alaska$89,170170
Nevada$79,9901,490
Washington$79,1305,150
Montana$79,100370
New Mexico$76,170550
North Dakota$73,920n/a
South Dakota$65,170640
Virginia$63,9805,750
Colorado$63,6706,120
Oregon$61,6101,940
Alabama$60,8901,580
Rhode Island$60,310n/a
Illinois$59,2206,030
West Virginia$59,050370
Arizona$58,7805,610
Kentucky$58,6101,120
Wisconsin$58,1205,680
Michigan$57,8802,210
New Hampshire$57,620240
California$57,56017,500
Maine$56,930740
South Carolina$56,5804,930
Pennsylvania$56,0405,510
Maryland$52,6302,940
North Carolina$51,2407,960
Utah$50,7204,240
Wyoming$49,990300
Florida$49,31026,790
Oklahoma$47,9803,710
Nebraska$47,2401,400
Delaware$47,180900
Indiana$46,8803,680
Connecticut$46,770n/a
Georgia$46,7309,940
Minnesota$46,4102,530
Tennessee$46,2502,360
Ohio$46,2405,130
Hawaii$46,220690
Louisiana$45,8501,940
Texas$45,74022,250
Missouri$43,9601,590
Idaho$39,8201,170
Kansas$39,7701,450
Mississippi$39,550670
Arkansas$38,1801,640

How to become a real estate agent

The training details below come from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile, which covers real estate brokers and sales agents together, a wider group than this page[17].

1) Finish high school. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with no related work experience needed[4][18]. 2) Take real estate courses. In most cases this means prelicensing classes accredited by the state[19]. Some states drop this rule for people who have already taken real estate classes in college[19]. 3) Get licensed. Every state requires agents to hold a license[5]. Typical minimums are being at least 18, having a high school diploma or equivalent, finishing the courses and passing an exam[5]. Some states also run a background check[20]. 4) Learn on the job. BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training[4]. Some firms give formal training, while others let new agents start working as soon as they are licensed[21]. New agents may shadow senior agents, and in some states an agent must be sponsored by a broker[21][22]. 5) Keep your license current. Renewal is typically needed every 2 to 4 years, and in most states it requires continuing education[23].

Licenses usually do not carry over from one state to another, although reciprocity agreements in some states make the switch easier[20]. Real estate associations offer classes for beginners and experienced agents on subjects like real estate law and mortgage financing[24].

A college degree is not required to enter, though the handbook notes that many in the wider group hold a bachelor's degree[25]. To become a broker later, most states ask for at least 2 years of experience as a licensed agent[26], plus extra formal training[27]. In some states a bachelor's degree can stand in for part of that experience or training[27]. Rules differ by state, so BLS suggests checking with the licensing commission in the state where you plan to work[23].

Our sources do not give a set number of course hours or weeks. O*NET places the job in Job Zone 1-2, which means very little to some preparation[28].

What real estate agents do

Real estate agents help clients buy, sell or rent property, and the category includes agents who represent buyers[29]. Job titles workers use include Realtor and Realtor Associate[30]. Common tasks listed by O*NET include[31]:

Where they work

This section also draws on the handbook profile for the wider broker and agent group[17]. Firms range from one-person operations to big companies with many branches[32]. Many brokers pay a fee to be tied to a well-known national or regional real estate brand through a franchise deal[32].

Agents usually have an office, but much of the day goes to showing and viewing homes and meeting clients[33]. Full-time work is the norm, and some put in more than 40 hours a week[34]. Evenings and weekends are common because the work fits around clients, and many agents spend a good share of time networking at community events[34]. Hours are often irregular, yet many agents can set their own schedules[34]. Some work part time[35].

More than half of real estate sales agents, 54.3%, were self-employed in 2025[12].

Job outlook

BLS expects the number of real estate sales agent jobs to rise by 1.7% between 2025 and 2035, reaching about 434,500, up from about 427,000[7]. That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations[36].

Even so, about 32,600 openings are expected each year on average[8]. These openings count roles left behind by people who retire or change careers, not just newly created jobs[8]. Each year, 4.2% of agents are expected to leave the labor force and 3.2% to move to a different occupation[37].

The job counts on this page differ by source. The projection figure of about 427,000 includes self-employed agents[7], while the OEWS count of about 193,370 covers wage and salary jobs only[38].

Is it a good fit?

Getting started takes a high school diploma, state courses and a licensing exam[4][5]. Typical wage and salary pay is close to the all-occupations median, but the range is wide, from under $32,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to over $123,590 for the top 10%[1][6][3]. Growth is slower than average, yet about 32,600 openings are projected each year[36][8]. The job may suit someone comfortable with evening and weekend work and with self-employment, which covers more than half the field[12][34].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[39].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a real estate agent make an hour?
The median was $25.40 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $15.85 and the top 10% more than $59.42[11]. These figures cover wage and salary workers, not the self-employed[2].
How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
Our sources do not give a set time. You need a high school diploma, prelicensing courses and a passed licensing exam[5], then moderate-term on-the-job training[4].
Do you need a degree to be a real estate agent?
No. BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education[4]. College real estate programs exist but typically are not required[25].
What is the highest paying state for real estate agents?
The District of Columbia had the highest published median, $123,770[13]. Among states, New York led at $102,990, followed by New Jersey at $99,990[13].
Are real estate agents in demand?
BLS expects jobs to rise by 1.7% between 2025 and 2035, slower than the 3.5% for all occupations[7][36]. Still, about 32,600 openings are expected each year[8].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Real Estate Sales Agents in the US was $52,830 per year and $25.40 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Real Estate Sales Agents: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  5. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  6. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Real Estate Sales Agents: 10th percentile $32,970, 25th percentile $40,040, 75th percentile $82,020, 90th percentile $123,590. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  7. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Real Estate Sales Agents is projected to grow 1.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 427,000 to 434,500 jobs (a change of +7,400). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS Employment Projections: about 32,600 openings for Real Estate Sales Agents are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Real Estate Sales Agents was $69,510 per year and $33.42 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Real Estate Sales Agents: 10th percentile $15.85, 25th percentile $19.25, 75th percentile $39.43, 90th percentile $59.42. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS Employment Projections: 54.3% of Real Estate Sales Agents were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  13. Median annual wage for Real Estate Sales Agents in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Real Estate Sales Agents (areas with at least 100 jobs): Midland, TX $109,760; Reno, NV $106,190; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $103,550; Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY $93,750; Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $91,690; Rochester, NY $88,310; Anchorage, AK $86,380; Syracuse, NY $82,520. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Real Estate Sales Agents jobs: Florida 26,790; Texas 22,250; California 17,500; Georgia 9,940; New York 8,660. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Real Estate Sales Agents jobs: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 9,160 (median $47,080); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 8,320 (median $103,550); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 7,340 (median $47,020); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 6,960 (median $46,730); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 6,950 (median $44,580); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 5,320 (median $49,250). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents" covers Real Estate Sales Agents together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. O*NET 41-9022.00: Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET description of Real Estate Sales Agents. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET 41-9022.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Salesperson, Realtor, Realtor Associate. O*NET OnLine
  31. O*NET task list for Real Estate Sales Agents. O*NET OnLine
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Real Estate Sales Agents: 4.2% of workers leave the labor force each year and 3.2% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 193,370 people were employed as Real Estate Sales Agents in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  39. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.