Thinking of becoming a real estate agent and wondering how to get a real estate license? Here’s the good news: You can get your real estate license in just five simple steps. We’re here to guide you through each task related to getting your real estate license, plus gather all of the must-know information for your state.
We even include resources that will help you successfully launch your new career. Let’s start with the steps involved and move on to the costs, time commitment, helpful links to our state-specific guides and best school articles, tips on passing the exam, and FAQs—in other words, everything you need to get your real estate license.
Colibri Real Estate has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Colibri Real Estate as an appropriate product and our content remains editorially independent.
Get 30% Off on Your Prelicensing Course With Colibri Real Estate
How to Get Your Real Estate License in 5 Simple Steps
Let’s get started! Though the process might vary slightly from state to state, here’s a basic outline of what you’ll need to do.
1. Determine Your State’s Education Requirements
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Cost:
Free
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Time:
Five minutes
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Helpful resource:
The Close Look-up Tool (below)
Each state has unique requirements for getting your real estate license, so your first step is to choose your state from the map below to find out how many hours of prelicensing education are required by your state and get a link to our state-specific guides where available.
Generally, states also require that applicants for a real estate license meet the following requirements:
These specifics depend on each state (Alaska, for example, requires applicants to be 19 years old), so be sure you’re checking our state guides.
You’ll notice that the number of hours of education varies quite a bit, too. Real estate licensing courses cover everything from business fundamentals to fair housing laws, and even the states with the most relaxed requirements still demand that students learn a lot in a short period of time.
2. Complete a Prelicensing Course
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Cost:
Between $99 and $1,100, depending on your state
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Time:
Between 40 and 180 class hours, depending on your state
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Helpful resource:
Best Online Real Estate Schools
The next step is to complete the prelicensing education class hours required by your state. You can do so in a traditional classroom with other students or remotely through an online program. We recommend online courses because they’re typically less expensive and more convenient—allowing you to work at your own pace, according to your schedule. However, there are a few states that mandate classes be taken in an in-person or live online environment, meaning you can’t actually complete your required hours at your own pace.
What You’ll Learn in Real Estate School
Not everything you learn in real estate school is interesting, but a lot of it is. Generally, you’ll learn plenty of terms and definitions, maybe even ones you hear often but aren’t exactly sure what they mean.
You’ll also get a crash course on important legislation, legal theories, and usually even a little history and sociology. At the end of your prelicensing courses, you will have a solid understanding of the laws and regulations that govern real estate both at a federal and state level.
How to Choose a Real Estate School
Choosing the right real estate school for you is an important step in the process, and there are several considerations you need to take into account:
Our favorite online provider is Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express). They offer prelicensing classes in just about every state, as well as packages that include exam prep and a Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee. If you have questions about getting started with prelicensing education, speak with one of their enrollment advisers.
SAVE 30% on any Colibri Real Estate prelicensing course. Use promo code TheClose30 at checkout.
Colibri Real Estate Review + Video Walk-through
3. Prepare for Your State Exam
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Cost:
Varies, usually about $99
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Time:
One to two weeks
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Helpful resource:
7 Free Real Estate Practice Exams + 7 Exam Hacks
Once you’ve completed your real estate prelicensing course, you’re free to take your state exam. Taking standardized tests can be difficult, especially if it’s been a year (or 10!) since you were last in school.
I’ll level with you: The real estate exam is no joke, at least in most states. They often require memorization of definitions, application of complex legal theories, and the correct use of math equations. You will have to know state-specific regulations as well as national laws that concern real estate. The exam is multiple-choice and there are no cheat sheets—in most states you get a standard calculator, scratch paper, and that’s it.
This is not to scare anyone, but to encourage you to take it seriously. With the proper preparation and study, most students will pass their exam on the first or second try. But there is a reason that most states have pretty low pass rates: Texas, for example, has an overall pass rate of 58% and North Carolina’s is 63%, according to the most recent data. Even if you feel confident, it’s a great idea to practice applying your knowledge a couple of times before sitting for the actual exam. Most of the providers on our top online real estate schools list offer some exam prep materials like flashcards and practice tests—use them!
Top Exam Prep Providers
Generally, you’ll have an option to purchase a prelicensing package that includes exam prep. If not, or if you select a less expensive package that doesn’t have the exam prep baked in, you can purchase additional exam prep courses or materials. Here are our favorites:
| Provider | Why We Like Them | Pricing + Promo Codes |
|---|---|---|
| The CE Shop | They offer unlimited practice exams, a free initial assessment of your strengths, and ways to track your mastery of each topic. Read Our Review | Starting at $93. Save 35% at The CE Shop with code TheClose35 |
| Colibri Real Estate | More than 15 full-length practice tests + a great prelicensing & test prep package if you still need to log class hours. Read Our Review | Starting at $99. Save 30% with code TheClose30 |
| Kaplan Real Estate | The exclusive QBank platform allows you to create your own custom practice tests based on the areas you need to work on. Read Our Review | Starting at $99. Save 5% with code KAPRE5 |
| Real Estate Exam Scholar | Most affordable option, it’s a mobile-friendly platform for test preppers on the go. | Starting at $39 |
4. Pass Your State’s Real Estate Exam
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Cost:
Varies by state, usually $30 to $80
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Time:
Around three hours
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Helpful resource:
The Close’s Secret Strategies to Ace Your Real Estate Exam video
Once you’ve completed your state’s prelicensing requirements and prepped with some practice tests and flashcards, it’s time to take your licensing exam. Here are my top seven tips for passing your exam the first time. For more on each one, check out the video below!
- Answer every question
- Answer the easy questions first
- Eliminate wrong answers
- Look at the question for clues
- Predict the answer
- Remember there is only one correct answer
- Realize the test is pass-fail and you don’t need to ace it!
The format of the exam varies, but most states now administer a computer-based exam that can be conducted online or in person, depending on your state. All the information about your state’s exam, including your closest examination site, will be available on your state’s licensing and regulatory affairs website or in our specific state guides.
If you’re nervous about the test itself, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Standardized tests can be challenging, even if you know the material back to front. Prepare by taking our free practice exam and learn a few more tricks to acing your real estate exam.
5. Register Your Real Estate License With Your State
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Cost:
Varies by state, typically less than $150
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Time:
30 minutes to complete paperwork, one to two weeks for confirmation
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Helpful resource:
What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
After passing your state’s licensing exam, the final step necessary to becoming a full-fledged real estate professional is to register your status with your home state. This process generally requires a form and a registration fee to be mailed or electronically submitted to your state’s real estate licensing board.
Some states require you to be signed with a brokerage before they’ll actually issue you a license to practice real estate. If you’re in a state like this, you’ll need to have a brokerage lined up before you can complete this step.
🎉 That’s the final step! 🎉 Now you know how to become a real estate agent.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
Getting a real estate license can take as little as six weeks, but your timeline will depend on your state’s licensing education requirements. Here are some sample timelines for Texas, California, and New York.
Sample Timeline: Texas, California & New York
Texas: Coming in at the lengthier end, Texas requires 180 hours of prelicensing course hours. Most applicants need about eight weeks to complete these hours online. Add to that another week for test prep, another for finding a brokerage, and one more for application submission and approval, and the entire process takes about three months from start to finish.
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California: California requires 135 hours of prelicensing course hours. Most applicants take about six weeks to complete these online. Add to that another week for exam prep, a week for finding a brokerage, and a week for application submission and approval, and the licensure process takes just shy of two months to complete. However, the entire process will take closer to six months in California due to mandatory educational waiting periods.
_____
New York: New York requires a 77-hour prelicensing class, which typically takes about four weeks to complete online. Add to that another week for test prep, a week for finding a brokerage, and a week for application submission and approval, and the entire process takes about seven weeks from start to finish.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License?
Most applicants will spend between $1,000 and $1,600 to cover all the costs, including their prelicensing course, exam prep materials, exam fee, background check, application fees, and dues. However, the costs vary widely by state. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, with sample pricing for Texas, California, and New York.
Sample Costs: Texas, California & New York
| Prelicensing Course | Colibri Real Estate | Colibri Real Estate | Colibri Real Estate |
| Exam Prep | Colibri Real Estate courses or separate package for $115 | Colibri Real Estate courses or separate package for $115 | Colibri Real Estate courses or separate package for $115 |
| Exam Fee | |||
| Application | |||
| Fingerprinting Fee | |||
| TOTAL |
How to Get a Real Estate License: FAQs
Getting your license, becoming a real estate agent, and launching a new career are big decisions, and these often come with big questions. Now that you are clear about how to get a real estate license, here are some of the most common questions we hear from those considering a career in real estate.
Are there legal requirements for getting a real estate license?
All applicants must fulfill some legal requirements, which vary depending on your state. Be sure to double-check with your state’s licensing and regulatory affairs commission to make sure you understand every requirement.
Generally, the eligibility requirements for real estate licensure are as follows:
The last two qualifying criteria related to an applicant’s criminal background are determined in most states on a case-by-case basis. A conviction doesn’t necessarily disqualify an applicant, but trying to hide something in the application process almost certainly would.
Is it hard to get a real estate license?
No. Obtaining your real estate license is very straightforward. All you need to do is devote some time and effort to fulfilling your prelicensing education requirements, study for and pass the exam, and then register your license with your state.
Even for those who don’t have a business background, have limited sales experience, or struggle with standardized tests, getting a real estate license is easy. There are no education prerequisites, the age requirement is low, and the regulations specific to your state should be clear and easy to follow. Real estate is unique in that there is a low barrier to entry, and limitless potential for professional success.
Is getting a real estate license worth it?
Yes. The personal and financial upsides to real estate can be huge if you’re willing to put in the effort to build a business.
Apart from the financial opportunities, becoming a real estate professional gives you personal freedom and control over when you work, how much you work, and how you want to structure your leisure time.
As a real estate agent, you are your own boss, which means you can take as much or as little vacation time as you’d like. Real estate agents love this field for the independence and control over their success that it provides.
If you want to test drive a real estate career before quitting your day job, consider starting part time first.
How much does a real estate agent make?
The Close’s proprietary real estate agent salary information is supported by data collected from numerous sources including Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, Glassdoor, and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Keep in mind that these are general averages that regularly change and depend on local markets, individual effort, broker splits, and agent experience.
Despite their dynamism, these numbers offer a good idea of an average real estate agent salary, state by state.
Agent (Annual Average ) $72,241.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $89,433.00
- Ziprecruiter: $76,143.00
- Salary.com: $42,182.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $97,050.00
Broker (Annual Average) $78,451.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,933.00
- Ziprecruiter: $93,250.00
- Salary.com: $54,579.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,042.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $68,134.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $73,459.00
- Ziprecruiter: $79,132.00
- Salary.com: $49,225.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,458.00
Broker (Annual Average) $92,439.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $117,132.00
- Ziprecruiter: $98,097.00
- Salary.com: $63,740.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $90,789.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $79,435.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $115,173.00
- Ziprecruiter: $69,554.00
- Salary.com: $44,190.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $111,861.00
Broker (Annual Average) $91,964.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $98,965.00
- Ziprecruiter: $107,054.00
- Salary.com: $57,220.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $104,619.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $71,796.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $93,882.00
- Ziprecruiter: $68,077.00
- Salary.com: $41,117.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $99,505.00
Broker (Annual Average) $78,402.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $85,052.00
- Ziprecruiter: $85,058.00
- Salary.com: $53,241.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $90,258.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $76,732.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $104,077.00
- Ziprecruiter: $93,212.00
- Salary.com: $50,285.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $79,689.00
Broker (Annual Average) $79,638.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $72,219.00
- Ziprecruiter: $90,801.00
- Salary.com: $65,064.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $90,469.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $71,336.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $99,585.00
- Ziprecruiter: $71,775.00
- Salary.com: $45,584.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $83,339.00
Broker (Annual Average) $83,231.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $98,077.00
- Ziprecruiter: $89,766.00
- Salary.com: $59,025.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $86,057.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $71,276.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $87,576.00
- Ziprecruiter: $81,818.00
- Salary.com: $48,630.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,956.00
Broker (Annual Average) $83,396.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,151.00
- Ziprecruiter: $100,370.00
- Salary.com: $62,969.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $87,095.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $71,735.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,156.00
- Ziprecruiter: $71,023.00
- Salary.com: $46,089.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $102,010.00
Broker (Annual Average) $88,199.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $117,097.00
- Ziprecruiter: $89,043.00
- Salary.com: $59,679.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $86,980.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $68,536.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $93,253.00
- Ziprecruiter: $57,067.00
- Salary.com: $42,863.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $93,097.00
Broker (Annual Average) $79,049.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $90,207.00
- Ziprecruiter: $87,830.00
- Salary.com: $55,502.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,660.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $72,548.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $98,696.00
- Ziprecruiter: $70,052.00
- Salary.com: $43,555.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $94,037.00
Broker (Annual Average) $75,810.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $81,494.00
- Ziprecruiter: $85,789.00
- Salary.com: $56,356.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $79,603.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $74,128.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $102,724.00
- Ziprecruiter: $84,038.00
- Salary.com: $47,339.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $80,142.00
Broker (Annual Average) $88,765.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $103,291.00
- Ziprecruiter: $103,887.00
- Salary.com: $61,298.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $86,586.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $69,975.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $96,862.00
- Ziprecruiter: $72,940.00
- Salary.com: $41,892.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,781.00
Broker (Annual Average) $80,277.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $82,082.00
- Ziprecruiter: $92,259.00
- Salary.com: $54,244.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $92,523.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $68,292.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,577.00
- Ziprecruiter: $74,353.00
- Salary.com: $46,234.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $80,897.00
Broker (Annual Average) $69,891.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $54,131.00
- Ziprecruiter: $83,872.00
- Salary.com: $59,821.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,743.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $67,415.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,973.00
- Ziprecruiter: $67,158.00
- Salary.com: $44,000.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $85,544.00
Broker (Annual Average) $80,718.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $75,960.00
- Ziprecruiter: $103,366.00
- Salary.com: $56,974.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $86,573.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $69,806.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $89,882.00
- Ziprecruiter: $79,130.00
- Salary.com: $43,083.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $80,536.00
Broker (Annual Average) $71,187.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $57,362.00
- Ziprecruiter: $92,591.00
- Salary.com: $55,744.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $79,051.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $72,551.40
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $93,254.00
- Ziprecruiter: $70,910.00
- Salary.com: $42,963.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $99,230.00
Broker (Annual Average) $78,051.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $80,680.00
- Ziprecruiter: $87,360.00
- Salary.com: $55,631.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $88,533.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $69,703.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $80,367.00
- Ziprecruiter: $79,193.00
- Salary.com: $42,362.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $90,197.00
Broker (Annual Average) $76,816.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $76,084.00
- Ziprecruiter: $89,514.00
- Salary.com: $54,812.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $86,857.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $65,098.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $85,080.00
- Ziprecruiter: $68,000.00
- Salary.com: $43,128.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $72,886.00
Broker (Annual Average) $75,632.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $89,684.00
- Ziprecruiter: $80,127.00
- Salary.com: $55,802.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $76,917.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $73,183.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $81,232.00
- Ziprecruiter: $88,150.00
- Salary.com: $43,398.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $96,738.00
Broker (Annual Average) $88,544.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $115,519.00
- Ziprecruiter: $86,310.00
- Salary.com: $56,152.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $96,196.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $76,715.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $96,480.00
- Ziprecruiter: $102,169.00
- Salary.com: $46,417.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,109.00
Broker (Annual Average) $80,067.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $79,501.00
- Ziprecruiter: $94,445.00
- Salary.com: $60,058.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $86,267.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $69,893.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $85,825.00
- Ziprecruiter: $82,845.00
- Salary.com: $49,103.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $75,295.00
Broker (Annual Average) $84,942.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $90,458.00
- Ziprecruiter: $103,223.00
- Salary.com: $63,582.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,505.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $66,341.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,643.00
- Ziprecruiter: $74,324.00
- Salary.com: $45,054.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $72,287.00
Broker (Annual Average) $70,133.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $63,769.00
- Ziprecruiter: $83,693.00
- Salary.com: $58,295.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $74,776.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $69,951.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,413.00
- Ziprecruiter: $82,513.00
- Salary.com: $46,238.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,195.00
Broker (Annual Average) $79,213.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $75,277.00
- Ziprecruiter: $100,082.00
- Salary.com: $59,872.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,622.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $67,364.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $90,710.00
- Ziprecruiter: $69,590.00
- Salary.com: $40,237.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $79,884.00
Broker (Annual Average) $74,609.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $76,231.00
- Ziprecruiter: $85,717.00
- Salary.com: $52,102.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $84,389.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $74,036.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $94,146.00
- Ziprecruiter: $73,620.00
- Salary.com: $42,902.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $103,112.00
Broker (Annual Average) $72,861.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $72,506.00
- Ziprecruiter: $82,760.00
- Salary.com: $55,511.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $80,667.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $65,489.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $80,457.00
- Ziprecruiter: $66,424.00
- Salary.com: $41,248.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,916.00
Broker (Annual Average) $75,521.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $58,663.00
- Ziprecruiter: $102,237.00
- Salary.com: $53,410.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $87,775.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $69,153.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $74,267.00
- Ziprecruiter: $95,666.00
- Salary.com: $42,562.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $76,874.00
Broker (Annual Average) $77,875.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $85,931.00
- Ziprecruiter: $88,799.00
- Salary.com: $53,414.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $83,358.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $71,738.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $96,921.00
- Ziprecruiter: $83,089.00
- Salary.com: $45,607.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $76,677.00
Broker (Annual Average) $90,251.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $113,225.00
- Ziprecruiter: $103,003.00
- Salary.com: $59,054.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $85,725.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $68,346.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $82,189.00
- Ziprecruiter: $72,742.00
- Salary.com: $45,715.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $84,684.00
Broker (Annual Average) $85,673.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $105,000.00
- Ziprecruiter: $92,655.00
- Salary.com: $59,194.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $85,844.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $75,714.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $94,858.00
- Ziprecruiter: $86,616.00
- Salary.com: $49,772.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $90,924.00
Broker (Annual Average) $78,595.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $55,298.00
- Ziprecruiter: $103,969.00
- Salary.com: $64,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $90,715.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $65,133.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $81,311.00
- Ziprecruiter: $61,403.00
- Salary.com: $41,618.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $84,933.00
Broker (Annual Average) $78,222.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $74,409.00
- Ziprecruiter: $90,738.00
- Salary.com: $53,890.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $93,852.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $80,348.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $103,176.00
- Ziprecruiter: $99,288.00
- Salary.com: $52,897.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $89,980.00
Broker (Annual Average) $85,580.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $87,614.00
- Ziprecruiter: $100,052.00
- Salary.com: $62,501.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $92,154.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $67,287.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $93,983.00
- Ziprecruiter: $58,752.00
- Salary.com: $43,315.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $83,988.00
Broker (Annual Average) $73,527.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $76,795.00
- Ziprecruiter: $73,555.00
- Salary.com: $56,086.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $87,673.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $67,720.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $71,779.00
- Ziprecruiter: $77,708.00
- Salary.com: $43,324.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $89,389.00
Broker (Annual Average) $87,317.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $104,921.00
- Ziprecruiter: $96,005.00
- Salary.com: $56,098.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $92,245.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $67,330.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $78,082.00
- Ziprecruiter: $80,089.00
- Salary.com: $44,202.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $77,877.00
Broker (Annual Average) $74,224.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $66,221.00
- Ziprecruiter: $94,662.00
- Salary.com: $56,874.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $79,139.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $70,017.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $92,208.00
- Ziprecruiter: $67,612.00
- Salary.com: $41,718.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $92,148.00
Broker (Annual Average) $80,476.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $103,197.00
- Ziprecruiter: $84,850.00
- Salary.com: $54,019.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $79,840.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $71,693.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $91,587.00
- Ziprecruiter: $79,630.00
- Salary.com: $45,363.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $85,486.00
Broker (Annual Average) $83,813.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $82,971.00
- Ziprecruiter: $98,267.00
- Salary.com: $58,739.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $95,277.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $65,948.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $84,124.00
- Ziprecruiter: $64,673.00
- Salary.com: $45,029.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $79,518.00
Broker (Annual Average) $75,850.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $79,877.00
- Ziprecruiter: $82,336.00
- Salary.com: $58,306.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,881.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $69,338.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $86,962.00
- Ziprecruiter: $79,761.00
- Salary.com: $47,285.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $76,285.00
Broker (Annual Average) $86,616.25
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $103,732.00
- Ziprecruiter: $98,430.00
- Salary.com: $61,228.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $83,075.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $70,722.60
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $93,699.00
- Ziprecruiter: $70,115.00
- Salary.com: $42,598.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $90,801.00
Broker (Annual Average) $79,717.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,454.00
- Ziprecruiter: $87,781.00
- Salary.com: $55,158.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $92,477.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $64,434.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $70,418.00
- Ziprecruiter: $74,520.00
- Salary.com: $39,759.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,074.00
Broker (Annual Average) $69,314.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $50,131.00
- Ziprecruiter: $92,065.00
- Salary.com: $51,483.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $83,579.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $77,961.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $106,604.00
- Ziprecruiter: $88,436.00
- Salary.com: $40,899.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $97,466.00
Broker (Annual Average) $78,747.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $63,750.00
- Ziprecruiter: $104,533.00
- Salary.com: $52,919.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $93,789.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $71,369.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $88,980.00
- Ziprecruiter: $84,580.00
- Salary.com: $44,207.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $82,679.00
Broker (Annual Average) $72,904.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $69,227.00
- Ziprecruiter: $81,787.00
- Salary.com: $57,198.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $83,406.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $70,073.40
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $93,753.00
- Ziprecruiter: $76,255.00
- Salary.com: $42,692.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,267.00
Broker (Annual Average) $77,440.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $73,757.00
- Ziprecruiter: $92,613.00
- Salary.com: $55,281.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $88,111.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $64,752.40
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $74,904.00
- Ziprecruiter: $71,385.00
- Salary.com: $43,450.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $77,623.00
Broker (Annual Average) $78,575.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $83,035.00
- Ziprecruiter: $90,793.00
- Salary.com: $56,262.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $84,210.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $68,223.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $88,599.00
- Ziprecruiter: $73,299.00
- Salary.com: $44,849.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $77,972.00
Broker (Annual Average) $73,466.00
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $58,290.00
- Ziprecruiter: $91,988.00
- Salary.com: $58,073.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $85,513.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $80,894.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $102,118.00
- Ziprecruiter: $104,032.00
- Salary.com: $48,080.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $93,844.00
Broker (Annual Average) $80,417.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $77,553.00
- Ziprecruiter: $100,066.00
- Salary.com: $62,210.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $81,842.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $68,127.20
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $89,170.00
- Ziprecruiter: $66,248.00
- Salary.com: $40,629.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $88,189.00
Broker (Annual Average) $77,002.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $87,063.00
- Ziprecruiter: $84,342.00
- Salary.com: $52,609.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $83,996.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $67,942.00
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $71,449.00
- Ziprecruiter: $80,427.00
- Salary.com: $44,343.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $87,091.00
Broker (Annual Average) $71,092.50
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $44,459.00
- Ziprecruiter: $95,735.00
- Salary.com: $57,375.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $86,801.00
Agent (Annual Average ) $65,407.80
Agents (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $75,440.00
- Ziprecruiter: $68,939.00
- Salary.com: $41,501.00
- NAR: $56,400.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $84,759.00
Broker (Annual Average) $94,546.75
Brokers (Base Salary)
- Indeed: $124,560.00
- Ziprecruiter: $107,135.00
- Salary.com: $53,738.00
- Glassdoor (Base Pay): $92,754.00
As an additional resource for our readers, real estate education provider Colibri surveyed thousands of real estate professionals, compiling the data for a comprehensive report that gives deep insight into the industry. If you want to understand your income potential, click on Colibri’s report below to learn all the secrets of the trade. The future is bright and the numbers are there to prove it.
What’s the difference between a broker & an agent?
A real estate agent has met their state requirements and been awarded a license to conduct real estate business. This means they help clients buy and sell real property under the supervision of a broker.
A broker (sometimes called a managing or supervising broker) is a real estate agent who has completed additional training, education, and licensing requirements. A broker can operate independently or hire agents to form a brokerage.
A Realtor is a card-carrying member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). They have paid their annual dues, adhere to the NAR’s strict code of conduct and ethics, and may or may not have an active real estate license. There are currently more than 1.5 million NAR members.
Related article: Real Estate Broker vs Agent: A Head-to-Head Analysis
What is real estate reciprocity & how do I get it?
Reciprocity is an agreement between states that allows real estate agents to bypass some or all of the prelicensing education requirements when seeking a real estate license in that state. For example, South Carolina and Georgia have full reciprocity, so an agent licensed in Georgia can work across the state line simply by passing the South Carolina exam and filing with that state.
However, real estate reciprocity isn’t universal. Some states don’t offer any reciprocity agreements at all, while some only do with select states.
Related article: Real Estate License Reciprocity & Portability: A State-by-State Guide
How do I select a real estate brokerage?
When selecting a brokerage as a new real estate agent, you’ll need to consider company culture, commission structure, what fees are covered, marketing policies, and training and mentoring.
Each brokerage has its own strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to do your research and interview the brokerage as much as they interview you. Ask plenty of questions, reach out to other agents, and see if you can picture yourself as part of that team.
For help selecting the best real estate brokerage for you, check out our article called What’s the Best Real Estate Company to Work For?
Have more questions? Watch our dynamic and ever entertaining colleague, Nick, explain how he got his license:
Bringing It All Together
Real estate professionals wear lots of hats. We are marketers, property authorities, contract and negotiation experts, community advocates, and even therapists. But it all starts with that first question: how to get a real estate license. After all, getting a real estate license is your first step to a new and fulfilling career. And we’re here to support and celebrate your success every step of the way! Never miss new articles or tips by subscribing to our newsletter.
