Texas Real Estate Agent Salary: How Much Do Agents Make in 2026?

Are you thinking about a career in real estate? Maybe you are wondering if Texas is the right place to launch it. You’re not alone! Real estate can be a lucrative, flexible career with substantial earning potential, especially in a booming market like Texas.

This guide will explain how much Texas real estate agents make, the factors affecting their income, and tips for maximizing your potential earnings. Plus, if you’re ready to take the next step, MLS Campus offers top-notch state-approved pre-licensing courses designed to help you succeed!

Average Salary for Texas Real Estate Agents 

Texas Agent Pay (2026)	Annual
Average	$79,929
Typical range (25th–75th)	$55,900–$93,200
Top 10%	$119,717
Hourly (average)	$38.43

Source: ZipRecruiter, 2026. Commission-based; income varies with transactions closed. Major metros (Austin, Dallas, Houston) pay above the state average.

As of 2026, the average annual pay for a real estate agent in Texas is approximately $79,929, or about $38.43 per hour, according to figures from ZipRecruiter. That works out to around $6,661 monthly, though income can vary based on location, specialization, and experience level. Top earners, in the 90th percentile, can make upwards of $119,717 per year in Texas!

If you’re ready to earn competitive pay and start your real estate career, MLS Campus has everything you need to get licensed and start working as a Texas real estate agent.

To find out more about the licensing requirements, application process and examination requirements, follow the link to our comprehensive guide on How to Get a Texas Real Estate License.

How Real Estate Agents Make Money in Texas

Texas real estate agents primarily earn income through commissions on property sales, which can make earnings highly rewarding but variable. Here’s a quick look at how commissions work:

• Commission Percentage: Agents usually earn a commission rate (percentage) from each sale, typically around 3% of the property’s sale price.
• Brokerage Split: Part of this commission goes to the agent, and part goes to their broker, usually in a split arrangement. Over time, experienced agents can negotiate more favorable splits with brokers.

The average commission rate in Texas is 5.76%, so with some hard work and dedication, you can quickly build a lucrative career for yourself.

Ready to make your earnings potential as unlimited as your ambitions? Get started with MLS Campus and equip yourself with the tools to become a top earner in the Texas market. Start your pre license courses today to begin your journey in real estate!

Factors Affecting Real Estate Agent Salaries in Texas

1. Location Matters: High-demand cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin often offer higher earnings potential due to greater market demand and higher property prices. Texas agents in urban and suburban areas typically earn more, but rural agents may benefit from less competition.
2. Experience Level: Experience matters in real estate. First-year agents generally start on the lower end of the pay scale but can expect their income to grow each year as they gain experience, establish a reputation, and build a client base.
3. Commission Split with Broker: An agent’s commission depends on their arrangement with the broker. New agents might start with a 50/50 split, while more experienced agents could negotiate up to 70/30, keeping 70% of each commission.

Is real estate calling your name? Begin with a solid foundation and enroll in your pre-licensing courses with MLS Campus. Our program covers everything you need to know to pass the Texas licensing exam and maximize your earning potential. Start your course today!

Highest-Paying Texas Cities for Real Estate Agents

In Texas, the earnings of real estate agents can vary significantly depending on the city where they work. If you’re considering a real estate career, knowing where you might find the best-paying opportunities is essential. Here are some of the top cities in Texas that rank highest in ZipRecruiter’s per-agent salary data — though note that smaller towns often top such surveys because of limited sample sizes, while Texas’s major metros (Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio) offer the most transaction volume and opportunity:

1. Frankston tops ZipRecruiter’s statewide per-agent salary survey, with an average annual figure of approximately $100,825. However, small towns like this only top per-agent surveys because of very limited sample sizes — they are not where the real earning opportunity lies. Texas’s major metros (Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio) have by far the most transaction volume and the strongest, most reliable agent earnings.
2. Odessa secures the second spot, with agents earning an average of $91,964 per year. Known for its dynamic housing market, Odessa is a solid choice for building a rewarding real estate career.
3. Emerald Bay follows closely, offering an average annual salary of $90,890. This area’s steady demand for real estate ensures a stable market for professionals seeking growth..
4. Austin, one of Texas’s most vibrant cities, provides real estate agents with an average annual salary of $90,336. With its booming population and diverse market, Austin is a prime location for cultivating a successful career.
5. Dallas rounds out the list with agents earning an average of $90,155 annually. As a major metropolitan area, Dallas presents countless opportunities for real estate transactions and professional growth, making it a sought-after destination for agents in Texas, according to data from ZipRecruiter for 2026.

If you’re eager to position yourself for success in one of these lucrative cities, consider enrolling in MLS Campus pre-license courses. We’ll provide the education and support you need to kickstart your real estate career in Texas. Start your journey today!

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need any advice.

First-Year Real Estate Agent Earnings in Texas

Starting out in real estate may take some grit, but Texas offers plenty of potential. The average salary for a first-year real estate agent in Texas is $64,655 annually, or $5,387 monthly. With persistence, hard work, and strategic networking, your first year can set the stage for exponential growth in the years to come. For the honest commission math behind a rookie year — deal counts, costs, and take-home pay — see what new Texas agents actually earn in year one.

To get started on the right foot, MLS Campus provides the knowledge and support you need to pass your licensing exam and launch a successful real estate career in Texas. Sign up for our pre-license courses today!

Texas Sales Agents vs. Brokers: Who Earns More?

In Texas, brokers typically out-earn sales agents due to their additional qualifications and responsibilities. With the right experience, you can become a broker, allowing you to open your own office and earn commissions from the agents who work for you.

Want to start strong and set your path toward brokerage? Enroll with MLS Campus to get the training and foundation you need to excel as a Texas real estate agent, with resources to help you grow over time. Get started here!

Strategies for Maximizing Your Earnings in Texas Real Estate

1. Build a Strong Network: Success in real estate is all about connections. Attend events, connect with other agents, and engage on social media to build relationships that turn into clients.
2. Develop a Specialty: Specialize in high-end properties, relocations, or investment properties to establish yourself as an expert in a niche and increase your earning potential. To find out more about establishing a niche in real estate, follow the link to the following article: – The Most Profitable Real Estate Niches and Why They Work
3. Invest in Marketing: Stand out in a competitive market with a solid online presence, social media advertising, and virtual tours.
4. Enroll in Quality Education: A solid educational foundation is crucial to success. MLS Campus offers comprehensive Texas real estate courses covering everything from licensing requirements to passing the Texas licensing exam, setting you up for success from day one.

How Much Does a Beginner Real Estate Agent Make in Texas?

In 2026 according to data from ZipRecruiter, a salary for a first-year real estate agent in Texas is typically around $64,655 annually, which equates to about $5,387 per month. This income range can vary based on factors such as location, the agent’s personal network, and their brokerage split. In Texas, entry-level agents’ salaries generally range between $55,900 (25th percentile) and $93,200 (75th percentile), meaning that some agents start higher while others may need time to establish their client base. With persistence, many first-year agents quickly build their income as they grow their clientele and experience.

How Much Do Luxury Real Estate Agents Make in Texas?

Luxury real estate agents in Texas specializing in high-value properties tend to earn significantly higher commissions than agents dealing with standard properties. On average, luxury agents might see annual earnings ranging between $100,000 and $250,000 or more, depending on the location and demand for luxury properties. High-demand cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin offer even more significant earning potential for luxury agents, with commissions based on premium real estate transactions often bringing in substantial income from just a few successful deals each year. Experience, market expertise, and networking skills are crucial in this niche.

Who Is the Highest Paid in Texas Real Estate?

In real estate, brokers and luxury agents are often the highest-paid professionals. Brokers, especially those who manage successful real estate firms or own multiple offices, tend to out-earn individual agents as they receive a portion of each transaction their agents complete. Brokers with a robust team in high-demand markets can earn well over $300,000 annually. On the agent side, luxury agents working in exclusive markets can also achieve top earnings, with some reaching or exceeding $1 million annually through high-commission transactions on luxury estates and commercial properties.

Is Real Estate Business Good in Texas?

Yes, the real estate business is thriving in Texas! Texas boasts a robust and diverse economy, with cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston consistently ranking among the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. This growth fuels high demand for residential and commercial properties, making real estate lucrative. The state’s favorable tax policies, relatively affordable housing (compared to states like California and New York), and robust job market make it an attractive place for both residents and real estate professionals.

Additionally, the Texas real estate industry benefits from having fewer regulatory hurdles than some other states, which allows agents to navigate deals efficiently.

Ready to join the thriving Texas real estate industry? Start with a pre-license course from MLS Campus to gain the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in Texas!

Take the First Steps in Your Real Estate Career with MLS Campus

Texas real estate offers incredible potential for earnings and growth, but the journey begins with a solid education. At MLS Campus, we provide everything you need to pass the Texas real estate licensing exam confidently and start your career with confidence. Our flexible, online pre-license courses are perfect for aspiring agents who want to learn at their own pace while gaining all the knowledge necessary to succeed.

Ready to make the leap? Don’t wait any longer! The Texas real estate market is booming, and there’s never been a better time to start. Enroll in your pre-license course today and take the first step toward your new career!

Texas Real Estate Agent Salary FAQ

How much do real estate agents make in Texas?

The average Texas real estate agent earns $79,929 per year (2026, ZipRecruiter), with most between $55,900 and $93,200 and top earners around $119,717. Agents in Austin, Dallas, and Houston typically earn above the state average.

How much do first-year Texas agents make?

First-year Texas agents earn around $64,655 on average, though many start lower while building a client base and working part-time. Income rises quickly with experience and referrals.

Which Texas cities pay real estate agents the most?

Austin, Dallas, and the Houston metro lead the state, as higher home prices lift commission income.

Do Texas real estate agents earn a salary or commission?

Agents are paid on commission, so earnings scale with the number and value of transactions closed.

Comparing states? See our real estate agent salary by state guide.

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