How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties by assessing market conditions, staging showings, and negotiating transactions. It typically requires a high school diploma (with licensure), with a median salary of $56,620 per year and about average projected job growth.

Median pay

$56,620/yr

Typical range

$30,000 to $113,320

Job growth

Openings / yr

48,800

Majors that lead here

Business Administration Finance Marketing

Key skills

Negotiation
Market Analysis
Customer Service
Sales
Networking

Helpful certifications

State Real Estate License
NAR Realtor Certification
CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)

Is this career a fit?

Remote-friendly

35/100

Work-life balance

45/100

Stress level

50/100

Satisfaction

68/100

Related careers

Actuary$120,000 median
Financial Analyst$99,890 median
Management Consultant$99,410 median
Accountant$79,880 median

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Salary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.