Real Estate Sales Agent Salary in the United States
Based on 186K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$58,977
$28.35/hr
▲ 8.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$35K – $116K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
186K
workers nationwide
The median Real Estate Sales Agent salary in the United States is $58,977 per year, which averages to about $28 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these professionals, with half earning more and half earning less. The salary range for Real Estate Sales Agents spans from $34,577 to $115,695 annually, indicating a wide spectrum of earning potential within the profession.
Several factors influence how much a Real Estate Sales Agent earns, including experience, commission structures, the volume of sales, and geographic location. Agents in high-demand or high-cost-of-living areas, such as the District of Columbia where the median salary can reach $123,770, often command higher earnings. Performance and the ability to close deals are also significant drivers of compensation.
Salary Distribution — Real Estate Sales Agent
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,577 |
| 25th percentile | $42,383 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,977 |
| 75th percentile | $80,713 |
| 90th percentile | $115,695 |
Real Estate Sales Agent Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Real Estate Sales Agent
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $123,770 | +109.9% | 590 |
| 2 | New York | $102,990 | +74.6% | 9K |
| 3 | New Jersey | $99,990 | +69.5% | — |
| 4 | Alaska | $89,170 | +51.2% | 170 |
| 5 | Nevada | $79,990 | +35.6% | 1K |
| 6 | Washington | $79,130 | +34.2% | 5K |
| 7 | Montana | $79,100 | +34.1% | 370 |
| 8 | New Mexico | $76,170 | +29.2% | 550 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $73,920 | +25.3% | — |
| 10 | South Dakota | $65,170 | +10.5% | 640 |
Real Estate Sales Agent Salary by Industry
How much Real Estate Sales Agents earn across industries nationwide — Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction pays the most ($122,520 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $122,520 | +107.7% | 2K |
| 2 | Utilities | $108,420 | +83.8% | 510 |
| 3 | Transportation and Warehousing | $97,750 | +65.7% | 110 |
| 4 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $90,220 | +53.0% | 80 |
| 5 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $88,790 | +50.6% | 7K |
| 6 | Educational Services | $84,620 | +43.5% | 60 |
| 7 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,970 | +39.0% | 2K |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $79,230 | +34.3% | 40 |
| 9 | Retail Trade | $72,370 | +22.7% | 400 |
| 10 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,180 | +13.9% | 3K |
| 11 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $63,780 | +8.1% | 340 |
| 12 | Information | $61,130 | +3.7% | 210 |
| 13 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $59,260 | +0.5% | 360 |
| 14 | Construction | $56,310 | -4.5% | 14K |
| 15 | Finance and Insurance | $52,830 | -10.4% | 2K |
| 16 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $49,850 | -15.5% | 158K |
| 17 | Administrative and Support Services | $40,060 | -32.1% | — |
| 18 | Accommodation and Food Services | $39,650 | -32.8% | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Real Estate Sales Agent
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,507 |
| 2023 | $54,954 |
| 2024 | $54,593 |
| 2025 | $58,977 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,516 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Real Estate Sales Agent Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,383 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,977 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,713 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $115,695 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Real Estate Sales Agent in the US?
- The median salary for a Real Estate Sales Agent in the United States is $58,977 annually. This means that half of all agents earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for Real Estate Sales Agents?
- The salary range for Real Estate Sales Agents in the US is quite broad, typically falling between $34,577 on the lower end and $115,695 on the higher end. This wide variation reflects differences in experience, sales volume, and commission rates.
Which state pays Real Estate Sales Agents the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying location for Real Estate Sales Agents, with an impressive median salary of $123,770. This significantly exceeds the national median, highlighting regional differences in earning potential.
How many Real Estate Sales Agents are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 186,230 Real Estate Sales Agents employed across the United States. This substantial number indicates a significant market for these professionals.