Real Estate Sales Agents
O*NET 41-9022.00 · SOC 41-9022
Real Estate Sales Agent is a solid career choice. Median pay is $53k a year with +1.7% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 32,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Show residential or commercial properties to prospective buyers.
- →Prepare and present offers on behalf of clients.
- →List properties for sale on the MLS database.
- →Accompany clients on walkthroughs of available homes.
- →Coordinate closing appointments with buyers, sellers, and lenders.
Education & How to Get In
Most Real Estate Sales Agent positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Real Estate Sales Agent? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Real Estate Sales Agent involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Real Estate Sales Agent?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Real Estate Sales Agent Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Real Estate Sales Agents is projected to grow 1.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Real Estate Sales Agent make?
The median Real Estate Sales Agent earns $53k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Real Estate Sales Agent jobs?
Our model puts Real Estate Sales Agent at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Real Estate Sales Agent a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 32,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Real Estate Sales Agent?
Most Real Estate Sales Agent roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Real Estate Sales Agent?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Real Estate Sales Agent career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →No account required · Matches are paid · 7 minutes