Real Estate Agent: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Real Estate Agents earn a national median of $56,320/yr with 3.1% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Sales and Marketing, English Language.

Median Salary

$56,320

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

3.1%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

190,600

2024 data

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Real Estate Agent

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Real Estate Agent candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Active Listening 2 Speaking 3 Negotiation 4 Social Perceptiveness 5 Coordination 6 Critical Thinking 7 Persuasion 8 Service Orientation 9 Reading Comprehension 10 Writing

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Real Estate Agent performance, based on verified occupational data.

Customer and Personal Service Sales and Marketing English Language Law and Government Administrative

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Real Estate Agent roles.

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Yardi software Adobe Acrobat Canva Facebook Google Docs Intuit QuickBooks

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 3.1% for Real Estate Agent roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
190,600
Projected Growth
3.1%
Typical Education
High school diploma or equivalent

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Real Estate Agent do?
Real Estate Agents apply expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Sales and Marketing, English Language to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Active Listening, Speaking, Negotiation, Social Perceptiveness.
How much does a Real Estate Agent make?
The national median salary for a Real Estate Agent is $56,320 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Real Estate Agent a good career in 2026?
Employment for Real Estate Agent roles is projected to grow 3.1% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 190,600 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Real Estate Agent?
The typical entry-level education for a Real Estate Agent is High school diploma or equivalent. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Real Estate Agents need?
The most important skills for Real Estate Agent roles based on verified occupational data: Active Listening, Speaking, Negotiation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Persuasion, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension, Writing. Key tools and technologies include: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Yardi software.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.