Real Estate Agent Salary by State (2026)

So how much do real estate agents make? Across the United States, the average real estate agent earns roughly $86,000 to $95,000 per year in 2026, but that headline figure hides a wide spread. Because nearly all agents are paid on commission rather than a fixed salary, your real estate agent salary depends on where you work, your local home prices, how many deals you close, and your experience.

Top producers in high-value markets routinely clear $140,000 or more, while brand-new agents typically earn less in their first year while they build a client base. The table below compares the average real estate agent salary by state for 2026 — the average, the typical range, and what the top 10% earn — across the states MLS Campus serves. For national pay and job-outlook data, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Real Estate Agent Salary by State (2026)

State	Average / yr	Typical range	Top 10%
New York	$93,860	$65,600–$109,400	$140,583
Virginia	$85,057	$59,500–$99,100	$127,397
Maryland	$83,265	$58,200–$97,100	$124,714
Texas	$79,929	$55,900–$93,200	$119,717
Florida	$64,112	$44,800–$74,700	$96,027

Source: ZipRecruiter, 2026. Figures are annual and commission-based; actual income depends on transactions closed.

What Determines a Real Estate Agent’s Salary?

Real estate income is built from commissions, not a fixed wage, so a handful of factors decide where you land in the ranges above:

• Commission, not salary. Agents earn a percentage of each sale — commonly 5–6% split between the buyer’s and seller’s sides, then split again with the brokerage. More closings means more income.
• Your market’s home prices. A 3% share of an $800,000 sale far outweighs the same share of a $300,000 sale — which is why higher-priced markets like New York, Virginia, and Maryland top the table.
• Experience. First-year agents typically earn the least while building a client base; income climbs sharply in years three to five.
• Hours and lead generation. Real estate rewards full-time, consistent prospecting — part-time agents earn proportionally less.
• Specialization and license level. Luxury, commercial, and broker-licensed agents earn well above the residential-agent average.

How Real Estate Agent Commission Works

Because a real estate agent’s salary is really commission income, it helps to understand how that commission is structured:

• Total commission. Most home sales carry a total commission of about 5–6% of the sale price, traditionally divided between the seller’s (listing) agent and the buyer’s agent.
• The brokerage split. Each agent then shares their portion with their brokerage under a split such as 70/30 or 50/50, or a cap arrangement — so the agent’s take-home is a slice of their side, not the full commission.
• What it works out to. On a $400,000 sale, a 3% side equals about $12,000 gross to one agent before the brokerage split — which is why higher-priced markets and more closings drive higher pay.
• Negotiable since 2024. Following the 2024 National Association of REALTORS® settlement, buyer-agent commissions are openly negotiable rather than set by the listing side, so commission structures now vary more than they used to.

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Each State?

New York

New York leads this group with an average real estate agent salary of $93,860 and top earners near $140,583; agents in New York City average even higher. See the full New York salary breakdown, or start the 77-Hour New York Salesperson course.

Virginia

Virginia agents earn an average of $85,057, with top earners around $127,397 — strong demand in the Northern Virginia/D.C. suburbs lifts pay. See the full Virginia salary breakdown, or start the 60-Hour Virginia Salesperson Pre-License course.

Maryland

Maryland agents average $83,265 a year, with the top 10% near $124,714. See the full Maryland salary breakdown, or start the 60-Hour Maryland Salesperson Pre-License course.

Texas

Texas agents earn an average of $79,929, with top earners near $119,717; major metros pay more (Austin averages about $96,000). See the full Texas salary breakdown, or start the 180-Hour Texas Sales Agent course.

Florida

Florida agents average $64,112, with top earners near $96,027; experienced full-time agents earn well above the average. See the full Florida salary breakdown, or start the 63-Hour Florida Sales Associate Pre-License course.

How to Increase Your Real Estate Salary

Because pay is commission-based, your income is largely in your hands. The agents who out-earn the averages above tend to do these five things:

• Get licensed and start building a pipeline now — every year of experience compounds your earning potential.
• Work a strong market — higher local home prices lift the commission dollars behind every sale.
• Specialize — luxury and commercial agents command premium commissions.
• Upgrade to a broker license — brokers keep a larger share of each deal and can earn from agents they sponsor.
• Stay active — keeping your license current through on-time renewal and continuing education means you never miss earning time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do real estate agents make on average?

In 2026, the average U.S. real estate agent earns roughly $86,000 to $95,000 per year (ZipRecruiter). Because pay is commission-based, actual earnings vary widely by state, market, and how many transactions an agent closes.

How much is real estate agent commission?

Real estate commission is commonly 5–6% of a home’s sale price, typically split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents and then shared with each agent’s brokerage.

Which state pays real estate agents the most?

Among the states MLS Campus serves, New York has the highest average real estate agent salary in 2026 at $93,860, followed by Virginia ($85,057) and Maryland ($83,265). Texas ($79,929) and Florida ($64,112) are lower on average.

Do real estate agents earn a salary or commission?

Almost all real estate agents are paid on commission, not a fixed salary. Income scales with the number and value of transactions closed.

How much do first-year real estate agents make?

New agents typically earn toward the lower end of their state’s range while building a client base, and many work part-time in their first year. Earnings grow with experience and referrals.

Do you need a license to earn a real estate agent salary?

Yes. Every state requires you to complete a state-approved pre-license course and pass the licensing exam before you can work as a real estate agent and earn commissions.

How can real estate agents increase their income?

Common ways to raise earnings include working in higher-value markets, earning a broker license, specializing in luxury or commercial real estate, building a referral network, and consistent lead generation.

How much do real estate brokers make compared to agents?

Brokers generally out-earn agents because they hold a higher license, keep a larger share of each commission, and can earn from the agents they sponsor.