Summary
![Real estate brokers and sales agents](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121002124026im_/http://www.bls.gov/ooh/images/p24-to-p25/p244-1-jpg.jpg)
Quick Facts: Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents | |
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$42,680 per year
$20.52 per hour |
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High school diploma or equivalent | |
See How to Become One | |
See How to Become One | |
466,100 | |
11% (About as fast as average) | |
52,500 |
What Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents Do
Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Brokers and agents do the same type of work, but brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Sales agents must work with a broker.
Work Environment
A majority—about 57 percent—of real estate brokers and sales agents were self-employed in 2010. Although they often work long and irregular hours, many are able to set their own schedules.
How to Become a Real Estate Broker or Sales Agent
In every state and the District of Columbia, real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed. To become licensed, candidates must be high school graduates, be at least 18 years old, and complete a particular number of hours of real estate courses.
Pay
In May 2010, the median annual wage of real estate brokers was $54,910, and the median annual wage of real estate agents was $40,030. Brokers and agents earn most of their income from commissions on sales.
Job Outlook
Employment of real estate brokers and sales agents is expected to grow 11 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job opportunities will fluctuate with the economy and are, like many other sales occupations, highly dependent on the personal drive, motivation, and sales ability of the individual real estate broker or sales agent.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of real estate brokers and sales agents with similar occupations.
O*NET
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Contacts for More Information
Learn more about real estate brokers and sales agents by contacting these additional resources.