Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Real Estate Sales Agents
SOC: 41-9022 O*NET: 41-9022.00
Median Salary
$52,830
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
32.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
What does a Real Estate Sales Agents do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$32,970
10th percentile
Early Career
$40,040
25th percentile
Median
$52,830
50th percentile
Experienced
$82,020
75th percentile
Top Earners
$123,590
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$32,970
25th
$40,040
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$52,830
Mean: $69,510
75th
$82,020
90th
$123,590
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $90,620 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $40,040 and $82,020
- •Salary spread is 79.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 193,370 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:427,000
Top Industries
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing81.6%
Real Estate81.5%
Construction7.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.7%
Annual Openings:32,600
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)427,000
Current
2035 (Projected)434,500
+1.7%
+7,400
Employment Change
+1.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Real Estate Sales Agents professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Florida
26,790 jobs$49,3102.17x
Texas
22,250 jobs$45,7401.27x
California
17,500 jobs$57,5600.77x
Georgia
9,940 jobs$46,7301.63x
New York
8,660 jobs$102,9900.72x
North Carolina
7,960 jobs$51,2401.30x
Colorado
6,120 jobs$63,6701.71x
Illinois
6,030 jobs$59,2200.79x
Virginia
5,750 jobs$63,9801.13x
Wisconsin
5,680 jobs$58,1201.55x
Arizona
5,610 jobs$58,7801.39x
Pennsylvania
5,510 jobs$56,0400.73x
Washington
5,150 jobs$79,1301.17x
Ohio
5,130 jobs$46,2400.74x
South Carolina
4,930 jobs$56,5801.72x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Sales and Marketing
94%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
Negotiation
86%
#8
English Language
86%
#9
Speech Clarity
82%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
80%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Sales and Marketing
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Negotiation
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Sales and Marketing
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Negotiation
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Speech Clarity
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Law and Government
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Fundraisers100%
5 shared skills
Advertising Sales Agents82%
5 shared skills
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes82%
5 shared skills
Bill and Account Collectors82%
5 shared skills
Freight Forwarders82%
5 shared skills
Community Health Workers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Negotiation
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Persuasion
- →Service Orientation
- →Administration and Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Negotiation
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Sales and Marketing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Real Estate Sales Agents
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechYardi software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechCanva
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Teams
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechZoom
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Dynamics
Yardi software
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Canva
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Excel
Zoom
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (16)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Communication & Coordination (2)Planning & Development (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination88% perform92%
6
Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Coordinate appointments to show homes to prospective buyers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination76% perform84%
10
Generate lists of properties that are compatible with buyers' needs and financial resources.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Real Estate Sales Agents
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Real Estate Sales Agents professionals typically have a ECS Holland code and highly value achievement
EEnterprising
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Real Estate Sales Agents
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.84
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.62
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.62
Initiative
CriticalInitiative
Importance Level4.57
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.38
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.38
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Stress Tolerance
4.6
Dependability
4.6
Initiative
4.6
Achievement/Effort
4.4
Persistence
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.4
Cooperation
4.3
Independence
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Real Estate Sales Agents.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Real Estate Sales Agents
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.3k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.6k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.9k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.9k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
1.4k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.1k program completions/year
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
974 program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
844 program completions/year