Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Real estate brokers and sales agents typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Every state requires real estate brokers and agents to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for real estate brokers was $73,220 in May 2025.The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $52,830 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 40,400 openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for real estate brokers and sales agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of real estate brokers and sales agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for real estate brokers was $73,220 in May 2025.The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $52,830 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 40,400 openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for real estate brokers and sales agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of real estate brokers and sales agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 40,400 openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for real estate brokers and sales agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of real estate brokers and sales agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties.
Work Environment
Most real estate brokers and sales agents are self-employed. Although they often work irregular hours, many are able to set their own schedules.
How to Become a Real Estate Broker or Sales Agent
Real estate brokers and sales agents typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Every state requires real estate brokers and agents to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for real estate brokers was $73,220 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $52,830 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 40,400 openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for real estate brokers and sales agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of real estate brokers and sales agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most real estate brokers and sales agents are self-employed. Although they often work irregular hours, many are able to set their own schedules.
How to Become a Real Estate Broker or Sales Agent
Real estate brokers and sales agents typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Every state requires real estate brokers and agents to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for real estate brokers was $73,220 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $52,830 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 40,400 openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for real estate brokers and sales agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of real estate brokers and sales agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for real estate brokers and sales agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of real estate brokers and sales agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.