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 $85,800 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)

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.

California

California agents earn an average of $84,669, with the top 10% near $126,817 — the nation’s highest home prices mean the biggest commission checks. See the full California salary breakdown, or start the 135-Hour California 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