Real Estate Sales Agent Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
Business administration, statistics, law, economics and real estate are subjects which are useful if studied at the college level. Universities and community colleges offer curriculums in real estate. Some associations of local real estate who are members of the National Association of Realtors also sponsor courses in the subject which instruct the basics and the legal aspects.
Training and Education
Employees normally have a postsecondary vocational award before landing a job. Degrees are held by 45% of current real estate sales agents. Post-secondary schooling was enough for 37% of workers. Education topped out at high school for 18% of employees.
Job Overview
Real estate sales agents have knowledge about the properties and real estates in their local communities. They should be well versed about the tax and local zoning laws. They help real estate sellers and buyers fulfill their objectives and also assist in negotiations.
Job Requirements
Licensure is a mandatory requirement for real estate sales agents. To obtain this they need to pass a written exam. A general sales license requires real estate agents to complete 90 hours of classroom study in most states. The license must be renewed every two years, for which ongoing education is necessary. The specifications for licensing vary from state to state.
Expertise and knowledge in real estate is a key asset. Expertise helps real estate agents close more transactions and thus make more money. Those working in larger firms can get promoted to become sales or general managers or real estate appraisers. Some can begin their own business of counseling in real estate investment or mortgage financing.
Real estate sales agents need to be good articulators. A pleasant personality is an asset, but honesty and trustworthiness will take you a long way in this profession. Knowledge about the market and accurate judgment are mandatory requirements in a field that is highly competitive.
Nature of Work
Real estate sales agents arrive at the competitive market price of the properties and get commission after the sale is completed. They meet the prospective buyers before showing them properties and learn their budget and their preferences. Sometimes, they even help arrange for the finance of the properties to be sold and also undertake the responsibility of closing the sales.
Real estate sales agents can work in an office, but many are also beginning to work from their home thanks to advancements in telecommunications. They often have to visit the sites of the estate to analyze and research it,. They are also required to visit and tour the site with their prospective clients.
Area Job Conditions
You'll see a lot of real estate sales agents in Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Sebastian (Florida), and Fort Walton Beach (Florida), and comparatively fewer in Bakersfield (California), Springfield (Massachusetts), and Salinas (California).
Wages for Workers are highest in Toledo (Ohio), Trenton (New Jersey), and Boston (Massachusetts), and lowest in Lubbock (Texas), Bowling Green (Kentucky), and Fort Smith (Arkansas).
Part-Time and Self Employment
Part-time work suffices for 16% of real estate sales agents. Workers working on their own make up 60% of the total.
Career Videos
Real Estate Sales Agents by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Alabama
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn | $50,000 | 50 | +8% |
| Birmingham | $67,000 | 600 | +1% |
| Decatur | $40,000 | 40 | -30% |
| Huntsville | $46,000 | 150 | -38% |
| Mobile | $53,000 | 150 | -27% |
| Montgomery | $54,000 | 120 | -37% |
| Tuscaloosa | $31,000 | 130 | +29% |
Alaska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $57,000 | 70 | -64% |
Arizona
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | $57,000 | 3,170 | +48% |
| Prescott | $30,000 | 80 | +39% |
| Tucson | $35,000 | 400 | -2% |
| Yuma | $40,000 | 40 | -33% |
Arkansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $33,000 | 160 | -33% |
| Little Rock | $49,000 | 180 | -57% |
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $54,000 | 150 | -51% |
| Chico | $41,000 | 40 | -47% |
| Fresno | $39,000 | 210 | -45% |
| Los Angeles | $56,000 | 2,510 | -49% |
| Modesto | 100 | -44% | |
| Oakland | $54,000 | 700 | -42% |
| Oxnard | $56,000 | 200 | -43% |
| Riverside | $47,000 | 1,040 | -29% |
| Sacramento | $64,000 | 620 | -41% |
| Salinas | $65,000 | 60 | -68% |
| San Diego | $48,000 | 1,670 | +5% |
| San Francisco | $70,000 | 1,070 | -11% |
| San Jose | $66,000 | 440 | -60% |
| San Luis Obispo | $55,000 | 50 | -52% |
| Santa Barbara | $72,000 | 120 | -38% |
| Santa Rosa | $66,000 | 120 | -41% |
| Stockton | $43,000 | 120 | -51% |
| Vallejo | $51,000 | 70 | -49% |
| Visalia | $54,000 | 50 | -68% |
Colorado
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | $59,000 | 340 | +14% |
| Denver | $51,000 | 2,190 | +44% |
| Fort Collins | $50,000 | 130 | -10% |
| Grand Junction | $40,000 | 70 | +15% |
| Pueblo | 40 | -34% |
Connecticut
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $85,000 | 180 | -65% |
| Danbury | $54,000 | 40 | -46% |
| Hartford | $74,000 | 270 | -61% |
| Norwich | $39,000 | 50 | -64% |
Delaware
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $49,000 | 50 | -9% |
| Wilmington | $48,000 | 580 | +49% |
District of Columbia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $61,000 | 5,610 | +89% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $48,000 | 610 | +169% |
| Deltona | $39,000 | 250 | +41% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $47,000 | 2,860 | +239% |
| Fort Walton Beach | $33,000 | 200 | +138% |
| Gainesville | $25,000 | 410 | +196% |
| Jacksonville | $41,000 | 1,260 | +73% |
| Lakeland | $45,000 | 340 | +54% |
| Miami | $48,000 | 2,570 | +116% |
| Naples | $51,000 | 500 | +294% |
| Ocala | $39,000 | 180 | +84% |
| Orlando | $38,000 | 4,510 | +266% |
| Palm Bay | $38,000 | 380 | +64% |
| Panama City | $32,000 | 230 | +206% |
| Pensacola | $34,000 | 310 | +80% |
| Port St Lucie | $36,000 | 200 | +47% |
| Sarasota | $41,000 | 700 | +140% |
| Sebastian | $36,000 | 140 | +181% |
| Tallahassee | $32,000 | 340 | +82% |
| Tampa | $36,000 | 2,400 | +73% |
| West Palm Beach | $39,000 | 1,580 | +153% |
Georgia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $35,000 | 60 | -10% |
| Athens | $33,000 | 180 | +132% |
| Atlanta | $56,000 | 6,730 | +139% |
| Augusta | $41,000 | 240 | 0% |
| Brunswick | $42,000 | 70 | +64% |
| Columbus | $44,000 | 210 | +68% |
| Gainesville | $43,000 | 90 | +18% |
| Macon | $48,000 | 220 | +117% |
| Rome | $32,000 | 40 | +12% |
| Savannah | $41,000 | 360 | +109% |
| Valdosta | $30,000 | 80 | +52% |
| Warner Robins | $30,000 | 70 | +22% |
Hawaii
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $67,000 | 210 | -60% |
Idaho
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $40,000 | 240 | -23% |
| Coeur Dalene | $32,000 | 100 | +86% |
| Idaho Falls | $39,000 | 60 | +22% |
| Pocatello | $38,000 | 50 | +65% |
Illinois
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $40,000 | 40 | -48% |
| Champaign | $42,000 | 50 | -57% |
| Chicago | $77,000 | 4,040 | -12% |
| Peoria | $44,000 | 50 | -75% |
| Springfield | 60 | -51% |
Indiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $34,000 | 60 | -21% |
| Evansville | $39,000 | 80 | -60% |
| Fort Wayne | $40,000 | 160 | -33% |
| Gary | $37,000 | 110 | -66% |
| Indianapolis | $51,000 | 650 | -40% |
| South Bend | $45,000 | 30 | -80% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $52,000 | 70 | +83% |
| Cedar Rapids | $32,000 | 50 | -69% |
| Davenport | $48,000 | 110 | -50% |
| Des Moines | $38,000 | 140 | -64% |
| Iowa City | $38,000 | 30 | -61% |
Kansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | $49,000 | 140 | -59% |
Kentucky
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | $30,000 | 60 | +1% |
| Elizabethtown | $24,000 | 90 | +94% |
| Lexington | $31,000 | 250 | -12% |
| Louisville | $34,000 | 680 | -7% |
| Owensboro | $25,000 | 50 | +0% |
Louisiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $47,000 | 40 | -43% |
| Baton Rouge | $35,000 | 250 | -44% |
| Houma | $43,000 | 40 | -62% |
| Lafayette | $36,000 | 110 | -33% |
| Lake Charles | $31,000 | 50 | -49% |
| New Orleans | $37,000 | 370 | -42% |
| Shreveport | $56,000 | 110 | -48% |
Maine
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $41,000 | 80 | -66% |
Maryland
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $52,000 | 1,620 | +2% |
| Bethesda | $55,000 | 890 | +27% |
| Hagerstown | $38,000 | 120 | +10% |
| Salisbury | $47,000 | 60 | +5% |
Massachusetts
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $48,000 | 130 | +16% |
| Boston | $72,000 | 1,600 | -25% |
| Framingham | $74,000 | 100 | -47% |
| Lowell | $44,000 | 70 | -49% |
| New Bedford | $44,000 | 40 | -43% |
| Springfield | $39,000 | 180 | -49% |
| Worcester | $54,000 | 70 | -77% |
Michigan
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $35,000 | 130 | -33% |
| Detroit | $43,000 | 410 | -49% |
| Flint | $30,000 | 60 | -60% |
| Grand Rapids | $32,000 | 180 | -60% |
| Holland | $27,000 | 40 | -63% |
| Lansing | $40,000 | 130 | -44% |
| Warren | $40,000 | 1,410 | +7% |
Minnesota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $48,000 | 40 | -73% |
| Minneapolis | $47,000 | 1,960 | -10% |
Mississippi
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport | $32,000 | 50 | -59% |
| Hattiesburg | 60 | -3% | |
| Jackson | $26,000 | 250 | -17% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $36,000 | 130 | +46% |
| Kansas City | $47,000 | 750 | -39% |
| Springfield | $38,000 | 200 | -11% |
| St Louis | $52,000 | 1,760 | +8% |
Montana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $41,000 | 150 | +60% |
Nebraska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | 50 | -73% | |
| Omaha | $57,000 | 350 | -38% |
Nevada
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City | $58,000 | 30 | +16% |
| Las Vegas | $43,000 | 1,610 | +56% |
| Reno | $45,000 | 170 | -24% |
New Hampshire
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $41,000 | 70 | -40% |
| Nashua | $34,000 | 100 | -37% |
New Jersey
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | $49,000 | 260 | -59% |
| Edison | $47,000 | 560 | -55% |
| Newark | $63,000 | 450 | -63% |
| Trenton | $76,000 | 190 | -29% |
New Mexico
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $54,000 | 210 | -55% |
| Las Cruces | $51,000 | 30 | -57% |
| Santa Fe | 70 | +4% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $45,000 | 360 | -34% |
| Binghamton | 60 | -53% | |
| Buffalo | $56,000 | 440 | -34% |
| Glens Falls | $52,000 | 40 | -28% |
| Ithaca | $58,000 | 90 | +111% |
| Kingston | $73,000 | 90 | +38% |
| Nassau | $71,000 | 1,670 | +8% |
| New York | $79,000 | 10,430 | +64% |
| Poughkeepsie | $47,000 | 280 | -4% |
| Rochester | $48,000 | 430 | -30% |
| Syracuse | $89,000 | 340 | -9% |
| Utica | $49,000 | 80 | -44% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $46,000 | 140 | -32% |
| Charlotte | $83,000 | 1,090 | +5% |
| Durham | $69,000 | 140 | -57% |
| Fayetteville | $41,000 | 140 | -3% |
| Greensboro | $40,000 | 240 | -44% |
| Greenville | $49,000 | 40 | -46% |
| Hickory | $55,000 | 40 | -77% |
| Jacksonville | 90 | +102% | |
| Raleigh | $73,000 | 710 | +14% |
| Wilmington | $95,000 | 300 | +91% |
| Winston Salem | $52,000 | 60 | -76% |
North Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | $39,000 | 30 | -58% |
| Fargo | $36,000 | 160 | +15% |
| Grand Forks | $42,000 | 30 | -41% |
Ohio
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | $47,000 | 160 | -58% |
| Canton | $35,000 | 40 | -79% |
| Cincinnati | $45,000 | 760 | -38% |
| Cleveland | $53,000 | 790 | -37% |
| Columbus | $44,000 | 590 | -47% |
| Dayton | $50,000 | 230 | -50% |
| Toledo | $55,000 | 80 | -77% |
| Youngstown | $39,000 | 60 | -78% |
Oklahoma
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $38,000 | 940 | +34% |
| Tulsa | $52,000 | 720 | +39% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bend | $58,000 | 30 | -56% |
| Medford | $50,000 | 30 | -65% |
| Portland | $39,000 | 670 | -46% |
| Salem | $33,000 | 70 | -59% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $45,000 | 410 | -1% |
| Altoona | $34,000 | 70 | +6% |
| Erie | $40,000 | 160 | +9% |
| Harrisburg | $40,000 | 370 | -3% |
| Johnstown | $36,000 | 40 | -34% |
| Lancaster | $38,000 | 320 | +15% |
| Philadelphia | $55,000 | 3,580 | +54% |
| Pittsburgh | $50,000 | 1,580 | +13% |
| Reading | $45,000 | 240 | +23% |
| Scranton | $42,000 | 180 | -42% |
| State College | $50,000 | 140 | +105% |
| Williamsport | $38,000 | 30 | -45% |
| York | $46,000 | 200 | -3% |
Rhode Island
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $54,000 | 300 | -55% |
South Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $48,000 | 450 | +31% |
| Columbia | $48,000 | 460 | +9% |
| Florence | $36,000 | 60 | -32% |
| Greenville | $59,000 | 400 | +12% |
| Myrtle Beach | $36,000 | 380 | +207% |
| Spartanburg | $42,000 | 90 | -32% |
| Sumter | $40,000 | 40 | +21% |
South Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $57,000 | 80 | -50% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $43,000 | 160 | -41% |
| Clarksville | $51,000 | 80 | -8% |
| Kingsport | $38,000 | 70 | -50% |
| Knoxville | $41,000 | 150 | -62% |
| Memphis | $31,000 | 490 | -34% |
| Nashville | $42,000 | 480 | -47% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $48,000 | 30 | -56% |
| Amarillo | $32,000 | 80 | -34% |
| Austin | $55,000 | 1,300 | +36% |
| Beaumont | $63,000 | 120 | -36% |
| Brownsville | $34,000 | 70 | -53% |
| College Station | $37,000 | 160 | +55% |
| Corpus Christi | $36,000 | 160 | -23% |
| Dallas | $59,000 | 4,400 | +72% |
| El Paso | $48,000 | 280 | -14% |
| Fort Worth | $50,000 | 1,160 | +10% |
| Houston | $41,000 | 4,730 | +47% |
| Killeen | $41,000 | 80 | -46% |
| Laredo | $52,000 | 80 | -8% |
| Lubbock | $30,000 | 140 | -3% |
| Mcallen | $41,000 | 160 | -41% |
| Midland | $47,000 | 60 | -12% |
| Odessa | $25,000 | 60 | -1% |
| San Angelo | $28,000 | 50 | +16% |
| San Antonio | $58,000 | 1,160 | +9% |
| Tyler | $44,000 | 60 | -41% |
| Waco | $33,000 | 80 | -29% |
| Wichita Falls | $32,000 | 30 | -50% |
Utah
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan | $36,000 | 70 | +40% |
| Ogden | $49,000 | 310 | +32% |
| Provo | $56,000 | 290 | +46% |
| Salt Lake City | $51,000 | 810 | +10% |
| St George | $43,000 | 110 | +129% |
Vermont
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $71,000 | 40 | -69% |
Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg | $28,000 | 140 | +113% |
| Charlottesville | $44,000 | 250 | +159% |
| Danville | $30,000 | 50 | +42% |
| Lynchburg | $32,000 | 150 | +35% |
| Richmond | $47,000 | 1,390 | +87% |
| Roanoke | $44,000 | 260 | +44% |
| Virginia Beach | $54,000 | 2,740 | +198% |
| Winchester | $54,000 | 80 | +52% |
Washington
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympia | $34,000 | 40 | -64% |
| Seattle | $47,000 | 1,190 | -30% |
| Spokane | $66,000 | 70 | -71% |
| Tacoma | $48,000 | 110 | -65% |
West Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington | $45,000 | 70 | -46% |
Wisconsin
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton | $41,000 | 60 | -54% |
| Green Bay | $72,000 | 120 | -39% |
| Janesville | 30 | -56% | |
| La Crosse | $47,000 | 60 | -24% |
| Madison | $45,000 | 260 | -36% |
| Milwaukee | $66,000 | 590 | -42% |