Real Estate Broker Salary in California
Based on 8K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$80,450
$38.68/hr
vs National Average
$70,075
+14.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $146K
8K employed in California
Real Estate Broker salary in California averages $80,450 annually, positioning the state well above national standards. California's 8,430 real estate brokers earn approximately 15% more than their national counterparts, reflecting the state's robust property market and higher cost of living. Salaries range from $37,120 to $145,660, demonstrating significant earning potential within the profession.
Several factors influence Real Estate Broker salary in California, including experience level, geographic location within the state, and market conditions. Brokers in high-demand urban areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles typically command higher compensation than those in less competitive markets. Commission structures, brokerage size, and individual sales performance also play crucial roles in determining overall earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Real Estate Broker in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,120 |
| 25th percentile | $41,600 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,450 |
| 75th percentile | $108,690 |
| 90th percentile | $145,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Real Estate Broker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Real Estate Brokers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Real Estate Brokers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $98,070 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $97,480 | — |
| Administrative and Support Services | $81,290 | 140 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $75,960 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $73,170 | 350 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Real Estate Broker in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $75,430 |
| 2024 | $82,050 |
| 2025 | $80,450 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,450 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $75,430 | $69,921 |
| 2024 | $82,050 | $68,556 |
| 2025 | $80,450 | $70,075 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,450 | $70,075 |
Real Estate Broker Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $41,600 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,450 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $145,660 |
Real Estate Broker Salary in Other States
Related Real Estate Broker Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Real Estate Broker ($80,450 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Real Estate Broker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor in CA | $98,030 | +21.9% | $47.13/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in CA | $94,700 | +17.7% | $45.53/hr |
| Logistician in CA | $92,890 | +15.5% | $44.66/hr |
| Writer and Author in CA | $86,480 | +7.5% | $41.58/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CA | $85,030 | +5.7% | $40.88/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CA | $82,720 | +2.8% | $39.77/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CA | $75,790 | -5.8% | $36.44/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CA | $57,560 | -28.5% | $27.67/hr |
| Interior Designer in CA | $80,230 | -0.3% | $38.57/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | +0.4% | $38.85/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in CA | $79,750 | -0.9% | $38.34/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -0.9% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do real estate brokers make in California?
- The median salary for real estate brokers in California is $80,450 per year, or $39 per hour. This is 14.8% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for real estate brokers in California?
- Real estate broker salaries in California range from $37,120 at the lower end to $145,660 at the higher end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, location, and performance.
Is being a real estate broker in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, California real estate brokers earn 14.8% more than the national average, with a median salary of $80,450 compared to lower national figures.
How many real estate brokers are employed in California?
- There are currently 8,430 real estate brokers employed in California according to the latest employment data.