How Much Do Realtors Make? Average Realtor Salary in 2025

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How Much Do Realtors Make? Average Realtor Salary in 2025

How Much Do Realtors Make? Average Realtor Salary in 2025

Real Estate Industry
# August 21, 2025
# 469 Views

You must have fantasized about a job that allows you to make your own hours, be your own boss, and have the potential to touch a six-figure income. If we practically talk about it, a real estate agent is a professional that checks all these boxes. You see them everywhere, closing big deals in fancy suits, and it is easy to assume they are all printing money.

But let’s be real for a moment. The question everyone really wants answered is, how much do realtors make after all the market hype and realty checks? In 2025, the answer is a lot more complex than a single number. It depends on everything from where you live to your expertise, state, and whether you’re working as an agent or a broker.

Finally, you have a comprehensive blog to pull back the curtain on real estate earnings, giving you the average salary numbers for 2025 and explaining what really goes into a realtor’s paycheck.

Average Real Estate Agent Salary in 2025

Without wasting time on industry complexities, let’s get straight to the numbers based on market data and insights. The average real estate agent salary in 2025 can be a bit all over the place. It isn’t much like a salary but more of a spectrum. Several full-time realtors can expect to earn somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000 a year. However, it is important to remember that this figure isn’t guaranteed on every realtor’s paycheck.

According to data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the average annual income for a real estate agent is around $55,800. But here’s the catch. That figure varies significantly for seasoned professionals. If you’ve spent over 15 years in the game, your average income could be double or even triple that.

Agent vs. Broker: It Makes a Huge Difference

You need to understand the difference between an agent and a real estate broker to have a clear idea of the real estate industry. This difference is the single biggest factor that impacts earning potential.

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent is a frontline worker. These agents are licensed to help clients with buying and selling property; however, they have to work under the supervision of a broker.

Real Estate Broker

A broker is the next level up. They have put in extra years of experience, taken more certifications, and passed a detailed licensing exam. This license allows them to operate independently, run their own brokerage, and hire real estate agents to work for them.

This is the prime reason why a real estate broker takes more money home than a real estate agent. The average real estate broker’s income includes their commissions from both sides and a cut of every deal their agents close.

How to Get a Broker License?

At some point, every agent considers making a switch to become a real estate broker. If you also find yourself at this point, we can help you. Becoming a broker is a great way to secure your financial future and get more profitable deals. The path to becoming a real estate broker depends on the state but generally involves:

Hands-on Experience: You’ll need to prove you have a few years of experience as a licensed agent.

More schooling: You’ll have to take advanced real estate courses.

A tougher test: You have to pass the state’s comprehensive broker’s exam.

Sure, it’s more work, but the payoff is big. You’ll get to keep a larger portion of your own commissions, and you can build a team, which means you’re not just earning from your own hard work. You’re also securing handsome commissions.

What Makes Your Commission Check Tick?

Licensing is just one part influencing your paycheck. The money you make is a mix of a few key factors.

Location: A normal deal in an expensive market like New York or San Francisco can be worth the equivalent of a number of deals in a less expensive market. This is why the best states to be a real estate agent often have high property values.

Expertise: New agents often struggle for the first year or two. The agents who really make it big are the ones who have built up a network and a great reputation over time.

Brokerage Splits: This is an important factor that can have a bigger impact on how much do realtors make. A big portion of every sale commission you earn goes to your broker. The percentage that a real estate broker makes from your sale can be anywhere from 50% for a new agent to as low as 10% for a highly experienced agent.

High-Paying States Every Agent Should Know

It is evident that the market is always in flux. Some states offer a higher potential for earnings due to factors like housing prices, population growth, demand, and affordability. The best states to be a real estate agent or kickstart your journey often combine a strong economy with high median home values. Some of them include California, New York, and Massachusetts, known for their high average salaries, though they also come with a higher cost of living and more competition.

Final Words

So, have you got the answer to how much realtors make? It isn’t about a single number but about your strategy and mindset. The real estate industry has millions of dollars for those who are willing to hustle, learn, and adapt. It’s a career where you build your own business, and your income is a direct reflection of your efforts. For an agent, it’s all about being consistent to close more deals. For a broker, it’s about mentoring and leading a team. Nothing is too easy, but for many, the potential rewards are worth every bit of hard work.

FAQs

How much do realtors make in 2025?

In 2025, the average realtor salary ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, but top agents and brokers can earn six figures depending on experience, location, and specialization.

What percentage does a real estate broker make?

A broker generally earns 15–50% of the commission generated by agents under them, depending on the brokerage model and agreement.

How do I get a broker license?

To get a broker license, you need several years of experience as a licensed agent, complete broker-specific courses, pass the broker exam, and apply to your state’s real estate board.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a broker?

An agent works under a broker and earns a commission on sales, while a broker can work independently, manage agents, and take a portion of their commissions.

What are real estate broker benefits?

Brokers enjoy benefits like higher income potential, leadership opportunities, flexible schedules, diverse income streams, and professional credibility.