How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
Real estate agents earn a median of about $56,000 a year (about $27/hour) in the US — from around $30,000 entering the field to $114,000+ at the top. Becoming one usually takes about 1 year: State license (course + exam). You can be licensed in months — but pay depends entirely on sales.
Real estate agent salary
| Entry level (10th percentile) | $30,000 |
| Median (typical) | $56,000 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $114,000+ |
| Median hourly | $27/hr |
Approximate US figures based on public wage data (BLS OEWS). Actual pay varies by employer, experience and location.
The path to becoming a real estate agent
- 1Complete a pre-licensing course (weeks–months)
- 2Pass the state real-estate exam
- 3Join a brokerage
- 4Build a client pipeline (income is commission)
What you need
- State real-estate license
- Sponsoring broker
Real estate has a fast, low-cost entry, though income is commission-based.
Real estate agent salary by state
Local pay varies with cost of living. See an estimate for your state:
Real estate agent — frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
It usually takes about 1 year. The typical path: Complete a pre-licensing course (weeks–months); Pass the state real-estate exam; Join a brokerage; Build a client pipeline (income is commission).
How much do real estate agents make?
The median pay is about $56,000 a year ($27/hour). Most earn between roughly $30,000 and $114,000, depending on experience, employer and location. See the state pages for local estimates.
Do you need a degree to become a real estate agent?
Entry requires: State real-estate license; Sponsoring broker. Real estate has a fast, low-cost entry, though income is commission-based.
Related careers
General information to help you plan a career — not career, legal or financial advice. Salary figures are estimates and training times are typical routes; both vary by state, program and individual. Check official sources and accredited programs before making decisions.