Mid-Level

Licensed Real Estate Agent

The property professional — helping buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
C
S
R
A
I
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Licensed Real Estate Agents
Employment concentration · ~265 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Licensed Real Estate Agent

As a Licensed Real Estate Agent, you've passed your state's exam and can legally represent clients in property transactions. You help buyers find homes and negotiate purchases, help sellers market and sell their properties, and guide both through the complex closing process. Most agents are independent contractors working under a broker.

Your day involves prospecting for clients, showing properties, writing offers, negotiating contracts, and coordinating closings. You might preview new listings, then show homes to a buyer, then host an open house, then follow up with past clients for referrals. The schedule is client-driven, often including evenings and weekends.

If you're entrepreneurial, enjoy working with people on major life decisions, and can handle income uncertainty, real estate offers unlimited earning potential. The challenge is that most income is commission-only, success requires constant business development, and the learning curve is steep. The people who thrive are self-motivated relationship builders.

AchievementAbove avg
RelationshipsAbove avg
IndependenceAbove avg
Working ConditionsModerate
RecognitionModerate
SupportLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Market segmentBrokerage structureCommission splitTeam vs individualLead generation
Real estate varies dramatically by market and brokerage. Luxury markets have fewer transactions but higher commissions. First-time buyer specialists have more transactions but lower prices. Team models provide support but split commissions. Independent agents have more control but less backup.
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Licensed Real Estate Agents (SOC 41-9022.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Licensed Real Estate Agent career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Business development
Consistently generating leads is the foundation of success
2
Negotiation
Representing clients well in negotiations builds reputation
3
Market expertise
Deep knowledge of your market positions you as the expert
What is the commission split structure?
What training and mentorship is provided for new agents?
What lead generation tools or programs does the brokerage offer?
What are the monthly or annual fees?
What does the typical first year look like for new agents here?
✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$32K–$125K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
191K
U.S. Employment
+3.1%
10yr Growth
37K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$64K$61K$58K$55K$52K201920202021202220232024$52K$64K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

SpeakingActive ListeningNegotiationSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionCritical ThinkingService OrientationWritingTime Management
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
41-9022.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.