U.S. real estate agents’ salaries vary with state and local market conditions, and demand. The Average Real Estate Agent Salary is about $85,793 per year, or an hourly wage of $41.25. 

States such as Washington and the District of Columbia are at the top of the nation, with salaries over $96,000, while other states float around the national average.

Understanding this can help you determine the most rewarding locations to work in. This in-depth guide explores average real estate agent salary by state, including top-paying states, cities, and trends.

Table of Contents

What Is the Average Real Estate Agent Salary?

The average salary for a real estate agent varies widely depending on location, experience, and market demand. Here is the key statistic:

Source: arabiers
  • U.S. National Average Annual Salary: As of the most recent data, the average yearly salary for a real estate agent in the United States is approximately $99,973.
  • Top Earning Candidates: Experienced agents, often in high-demand markets, can earn over $150,000 annually.
  • Entry-Level Agents: Those just starting their careers can expect salaries between $31,410 and $54,300 annually.

These figures are averages, though your actual income may vary with your circumstances since real estate earnings are mostly commission-based.

Unlocking Real Estate Income – Factors That Shape an Agent’s Salary!

The average salary of a real estate agent depends on various factors. Understanding such factors would benefit any agent wanting to reach an optimum income.

Location:

The geographical area where an agent works is one of the most significant determinants of income. Factors such as property values, housing demand, and market competition vary widely across regions, which influences commission rates and transaction volumes.

  • California: The mean salary of an agent in California is $109,416 per year as the property prices are generally high in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
  • New York: As New York City has very lively markets and demand for luxury properties, agents here make an average salary of $97,780 per year.
  • Florida: The average salary in Florida is around $73,450. It has good earning prospects because of the rising property market. Cities like Miami and Tampa add a lot to the average.
  • Midwest States: The average salaries in states like Kansas and Ohio are lower than $50,000 a year. This is because the property prices are lower and the market is relatively smaller.

Experience:

An agent with less than one year experience: Usually earns less than $40,000 per year. They are just starting to make their network and close deals.

Agents with middle ranges always experience a dramatic leap with their salaries, more times than not over $70,000 per year. 10 years -plus: Seasoned agents stand to earn as high as $150,000 per year and many times more.

Specialization:

With specialization as experts in one niche, agents will attract higher commission prices and higher-value clients. Agents who specialize in multimillion-dollar properties tend to earn higher commissions simply because of the value of each transaction. 

Market Conditions:

The health of the housing market directly determines agent income. A strong housing market with increased buyer demand increases the number of transactions and, consequently, higher agent earnings.

A strong economy means a stronger potential for higher home prices as well as more frequent home sales, while a recession will normally lead to slower markets.

Average Real Estate Agent Salary In The United States – See What You Could Be Earning!

The average annual salary of a real estate agent in the United States is around $99,973 per year, though this figure tends to vary depending on state, experience, and demand. 

Source: TheClose

Average Real Estate Agent Salary Per Hour:

StateAverage Hourly Wage ($)Remarks
California40.71High property values drive higher rates.
New York45.12The luxury market provides competitive wages.
Florida30.82Thriving but mid-range housing market.
Texas38.43Booming housing market and population.
Washington46.72Among the highest hourly rates.

Average Real Estate Agent Salary Per Month:

StateAverage Monthly Salary ($)Remarks
Washington8,097High property values support robust incomes.
Columbia8,079Consistent demand in a thriving market.
Massachusetts7,808Strong housing market and affluent buyers.
North Carolina6,497Rapidly growing housing market.
Florida5,342Moderate incomes in a steady housing market.

Average Real Estate Agent Salary Per Year:

StateAverage Annual Salary ($)Remarks
California109,416Luxury homes and high-value transactions.
New York97,780Competitive market with high-value properties.
Washington97,169High demand and property values.
Texas95,054Booming urban markets like Austin and Houston.
Florida73,450Affordable housing markets with steady demand.

Overall State Performance for Real Estate Agent Salaries:

StateAnnual Salary ($)Hourly Wage ($)Monthly Salary ($)Remarks
California109,41640.719,118The top state for real estate agents.
New York97,78045.128,148Competitive, high-value market.
Washington97,16946.728,097Consistent high demand.
Texas95,05438.437,922Strong urban housing market.
Florida73,45030.826,121Moderate but growing market.

Average Real Estate Agent Salary In Texas – Discover the 2025 Averages!

The average real estate agent salary in Texas is approximately $95,054 per year. The state’s booming real estate market, driven by cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, provides lucrative opportunities for agents. Key highlights include:

  • Austin: With an average annual salary of $102,112, Austin leads Texas in real estate agent earnings due to its rapid population growth and high demand for housing.
  • Houston: Agents here earn around $85,547 per year, benefiting from the city’s diverse economy and growing housing market.
  • Dallas: The average salary is $84,240 annually, fueled by corporate relocation and strong housing demand.

Read More: Real Estate Appraiser Salary – From $70K To $200K in 2025!

Average Real Estate Agent Salary NYC – Average Salaries and Earning Potential!

The average real estate agent salary in NYC is approximately $97,780 per year, reflecting the city’s dynamic and competitive real estate market. New York City is known for its:

Source: housinganywhere
  • Luxury Property Market: High-value transactions result in large commissions.
  • Demand for Rentals: Agents in NYC often earn additional income through rental commissions.
  • Iconic Neighborhoods: Areas like Manhattan and Brooklyn provide opportunities for top-performing agents to earn six-figure incomes.

Average Real Estate Agent Salary In California – Surprising Figures Revealed!

The average base salary for a real estate agent in North Carolina is $109,848 per year, which is comparable to the national average. Salaries in the state range from $50,477 on the lower end to as high as $239,051 for top performers, depending on experience, specialization, and market demand.

Key Statistics:

  • Average Salary: $109,848 per year.
  • Low Range: $50,477 per year.
  • High Range: $239,051 per year.
  • Data Source: 3.1k salaries reported as of December 22, 2024.

Top 5 Job Openings for Real Estate Agents in North Carolina – Start Your Career Today!

North Carolina offers a variety of job opportunities for real estate professionals, with roles catering to both newly licensed and experienced agents. Examples include:

Real Estate Acquisition Agent:

  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Newly Licensed Real Estate Agent:

  • Location: Claremont, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Real Estate Sales Agent:

  • Location: Claremont, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Zillow Flex Real Estate Agent:

  • Location: Lincolnton, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Newly Licensed Real Estate Agent:

  • Location: Pittsboro, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Read More: Best Credit Card Points For Real Estate Investments – Maximize Savings!

Job Opportunities for Real Estate Agents in the United States – LinkedIn Updates!

Source: ReatEstateU

The U.S. real estate market offers diverse job opportunities, catering to both new and experienced professionals. Here are some examples:

Real Estate Agent – Los Angeles:

  • Company: Redfin
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Salary Range: $30,000 – $165,000 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Real Estate Agent – Harrison, NY:

  • Location: Harrison, NY
  • Salary Range: $124,124 – $135,169 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Real Estate Agent – Keller Williams Realty

  • Location: Bayville, NJ:
  • Type: Full-time

Real Estate Sales Agent Listing Specialist

  • Company: Keller Williams Realty
  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Salary Range: $86,700 – $176,500 per year

Real Estate Sales Agent Trainee:

  • Company: Keller Williams Realty
  • Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Salary Range: $87,400 – $167,500 per year

Job Opportunities for Real Estate Agents in North Carolina – Opportunities for Agents at Every Level!

North Carolina offers a variety of job opportunities for real estate professionals, with roles catering to both newly licensed and experienced agents. Examples include:

Real Estate Acquisition Agent:

  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Newly Licensed Real Estate Agent:

  • Location: Claremont, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Real Estate Sales Agent:

  • Location: Claremont, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Zillow Flex Real Estate Agent:

  • Location: Lincolnton, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Newly Licensed Real Estate Agent:

  • Location: Pittsboro, NC
  • Salary Range: $48,226.91 – $196,492.21 per year
  • Type: Full-time

Read More: Brent Mclay Onward Real Estate – Trusted Partner of 2025!

Real Estate Agent Training Courses Online – Affordable, Flexible, and Effective!

Online training courses are a must for aspiring and experienced real estate agents to enhance their skills and knowledge. There is a wide variety of choices from pre-licensing courses covering the basics of real estate law, ethics, and practices. Some of the popular platforms offering real estate training courses online include:

Source: Community
  • Real Estate Express: This is the most known for its comprehensive pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
  • Kaplan Real Estate Education: This provides a range of programs tailored to different state requirements.
  • The CE Shop: Offers courses that are interactive on licensure, test prep, and professional development.
  • Coursera and Udemy: Offer very inexpensive classes in niche topics, like investing in real estate or real estate marketing.
  • Videos and quizzes: Access to professionals also becomes available.

Average Real Estate Agent Salary Reddit – Reviews By Locals!

Discussions on average real estate agent salaries on Reddit reveal a broad spectrum of experiences. Many young agents report that they take home less than the national average in their initial years, often attributing their struggles to building a client base, navigating market fluctuations, and covering expenses such as licensing and marketing. 

Indeed, Reddit is a great platform for aspiring and active real estate agents, offering practical advice, motivation, and insights from industry veterans.

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Real Estate Agents in the United States – 2025 Guide!

Here is the state wise graph of USA:

Source: Community

Future Outlook Real Estate Agent – Real Estate Agent Career in 2025!

The way that a real estate agent earns money changes given these key trends a technology with tools, ranging from virtual tours and using AI for marketing to homebuyers and home-sellers in a faster fashion allows them to close more business deals. 

More people want homes in suburbs and rural areas, creating new opportunities for agents outside big cities. With the growing preference for energy efficiency and home green certification, agents earn higher commissions from this end.

FAQs:

Is It Hard To Become A Real Estate Agent In Hawaii?

Becoming a real estate agent in Hawaii can be challenging due to strict licensing requirements and a competitive market. However, with the right training and commitment, it is achievable.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Real Estate Agent In California?

It typically takes about 4-6 months to become a real estate agent in California. This includes completing 135 hours of pre-licensing courses, passing the exam, and applying for your license.

How Much Money Do Most Realtors Make?

Most realtors earn between $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and market conditions. Income can vary widely based on sales and commissions.

What Do Most Realtors Make Their First Year?

In their first year, most realtors earn around $20,000 to $40,000 as they build their client base and gain experience.

Can I Make 100k As A Real Estate Agent?

Yes, you can make $100,000 as a real estate agent, but it requires hard work, a strong network, and consistent sales. Many achieve this after gaining experience.

Is Real Estate A High Paid Job?

Real estate can be a high-paying job for those who excel in the field. Top-performing agents can earn six figures or more through commissions.

How Much Does A Real Estate Agent Make Per Sale?

Real estate agents typically make 5-6% of a property’s sale price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. The exact amount depends on the agreed commission.

Conclusion:

The Average Real Estate Agent Salary varies according to location, experience, and the state of the housing market. With the right dedication, strategic planning, and resources, real estate can be a very profitable career. 

Whether you are an emerging agent or a seasoned pro, being up to date with information and changes in the industry will determine how much you can earn. The average first year real estate agent salary often reflects the challenges of entering a competitive industry. Success depends on perseverance, strategic planning, and learning from seasoned professionals.

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