Fazlur Rahman
The median real estate sales agent in the United States earned $52,830 in 2025 (Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2025 release. That headline understates the gap between the typical agent and the top decile. Mike DelPrete's analysis of CoreLogic data shows the top 20% of agents do 65% of transactions, meaning the median is a midpoint of a highly bimodal distribution where a small set does very well and most struggle to match a salary.
This guide uses BLS data to rank agent pay by state, then explains how commission structure, broker splits, and self-employment status change what an agent actually takes home. If you are evaluating real estate as a career or planning where to license, the state ranking matters less than understanding the actual income math.
Data last verified September 2026 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025 release, for SOC 41-9022 (Real Estate Sales Agents).
At a glance
- National median agent wage is $52,830 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
- Top 20% of agents do 65% of transactions, leaving most agents well below the median in take-home.
- States with the most expensive housing markets pay the highest agent wages (DC, NY, NJ top the ranking).
- Take-home is typically 50% to 60% of gross commissions after broker split, taxes, and overhead.
Top 10 highest-paying states for real estate agents
States with the most expensive home prices also pay agents the highest wages because commissions are calculated as a percentage of transaction value. The District of Columbia tops the ranking because of its concentrated luxury market. New York and New Jersey follow with their expensive metropolitan markets.
| Rank | State | Median agent wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $123,770 |
| 2 | New York | $102,990 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $99,990 |
| 4 | Alaska | $89,170 |
| 5 | Nevada | $79,990 |
| 6 | Washington | $79,130 |
| 7 | Montana | $79,100 |
| 8 | New Mexico | $76,170 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $73,920 |
| 10 | South Dakota | $65,170 |
Lowest-paying states and the commission trap
The lowest-paying states have lower home prices, which means smaller commissions per transaction. The workforce is also over-supplied in many of these markets, which dilutes per-agent transaction volume. Arkansas reports the lowest median agent wage at $38,180, with Kansas, Mississippi, and Idaho close behind.
| Rank | State | Median agent wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansas | $38,180 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $39,550 |
| 3 | Kansas | $39,770 |
| 4 | Idaho | $39,820 |
| 5 | Missouri | $43,960 |
| 6 | Texas | $45,740 |
| 7 | Louisiana | $45,850 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $46,220 |
| 9 | Ohio | $46,240 |
| 10 | Tennessee | $46,250 |
Why most agents earn less than the median
Real estate commission is a percentage of transaction value. A typical residential commission runs 5% to 6%, split between the listing and buy-side brokerages, then between the broker and the individual agent. The math at a typical commission split looks like this: a $400,000 home sale generates $20,000 in gross commission; after the 50/50 or 60/40 broker split, the agent receives $10,000 to $12,000.
The bimodal distribution happens because a small share of agents handle many transactions while the rest do few. NAR's member profile consistently shows the median agent closes roughly 7 to 12 transactions per year. The top quintile does 30+, sometimes hundreds. Apply the math above and the median agent's gross commissions before broker split might total $80,000 to $140,000 per year, leaving much less in net take-home after expenses and taxes.
How broker splits affect take-home pay
Broker splits are negotiable and structure your career economics. Newer agents typically start at 50/50 in favor of the agent or worse. Established producers can earn 70/30 or higher. Some teams operate on tiered splits with production bonuses. Caps and desk fees are common in larger brokerages — you keep a higher percentage after you pay a fixed annual fee.
The split matters more than commission rate for most agents because it shapes every transaction. Negotiating from 60/40 to 70/30 on $100,000 in annual commissions moves you from $60,000 to $70,000 in pre-tax income before any other change.
Are employed agents better paid?
Employed agent roles at brokerages like Redfin, Compass, and eXp pay base salaries plus benefits, sometimes with commission upside. Redfin's employed agents historically earned less per transaction than independent contractors but received a base salary, health benefits, and equity grants. The trade-off is upside compression for downside protection. Industry surveys suggest employed agent roles earn $50,000 to $90,000 in total comp at the median, with a clearer career path but lower ceiling.
Frequently asked questions
(See FAQs above for the questions and answers.)
Methodology
Salary figures are the median and percentile range for Real Estate Sales Agents (SOC 41-9022) from the BLS OEWS May 2025 release. Commission math assumes a 5% to 6% commission split two ways, then a 50/50 to 70/30 broker split. Take-home estimates assume federal income tax and self-employment tax in the 22% to 32% effective range plus typical per-agent overhead of $8,000 to $15,000 per year for MLS, E&O insurance, marketing, and license renewal.
BLS OEWS covers wage and salary workers and excludes self-employed and independent-contractor agents, who make up a large share of the field. Reported wages therefore reflect employed agents and undercount the total population. Always validate your own income math with a practicing broker in your target market.
