Real Estate Agent FAQ

It depends on the state’s required pre-licensing hours, often a few weeks to a few months, plus passing the exam.

Most are paid by commission, which is negotiable and varies by transaction. Some brokerages or teams offer salaried roles.

A REALTOR® is a licensed agent who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and follows its code of ethics.

The median annual wage for real estate agents was $52,830 ($25.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $32,970 and the highest 10% earned more than $123,590.

Most people need about 1–6 months (licensing) of training. A high school diploma is typical. Every state requires pre-licensing coursework (the number of hours varies widely), a licensing exam and association with a supervising broker. Continuing education is required to renew.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +1.7% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 32,600 openings each year. Upsides include fast entry: licensing in weeks to months; a common challenge is that commission-based, unpredictable income.

Key technical skills include market analysis and pricing, contracts and negotiation, mls and marketing tools, and transaction management. Employers also value relationship building, negotiation, and self-motivation.

Common credentials include State real estate salesperson license, Broker license, REALTOR® membership, and Designations (ABR, SRS, CRS, GRI). All states require real estate agents to be licensed and to work under a licensed broker. Pre-licensing hours, exams and continuing education requirements vary by state.