It’s not a career that you simply slip into. Here, we’re going to look at what steps you should be taking to make the move right.
Real Estate Agent/Broker
Description
Selling homes is part salesmanship, part telepathic reading—helping clients find their dream home while wrestling with paperwork, negotiations, and timing anxiety over interest rates.
Responsibilities
- Market properties, show homes, manage listings, and connect clients with lenders
- Negotiate offers, guide through contracts, and coordinate closing logistics
Pay range (U.S.)
- Real Estate Sales Agents Median: ~$56,320/year (May 2024); 25th–75th percentile: ~$42,000–$89,000; Top earners (10%) exceed ~$125,000 (before brokerage splits).
- Brokers Average Wage: ~$69,610/year; Median agent wage: ~$54,300; top 10% agents: ~$119,590.
Requirements
- State-specific real estate license (pre-licensing courses + exam)
- CPD, marketing savvy, and resilience in a commission-driven world
Workforce Size in the United States
- Approximately 544,400 agents and brokers in 2023; expected growth 2% (2023–2033).
- Estimates vary—NAR cites 1.5 million Realtors, while broader counts (FRED) suggest fewer.
They don't just move people—they move mortgages.
How Long is Schooling for Real Estate?
Are you looking to become a real estate agent? Well, you probably have a few questions about how the schooling works.