Real estate sales agents
SOC Code: 41-9022Also known as:
Agricultural Real Estate Agent, Apartment Leasing Agent, Apartment Leasing Consultant, Apartment Rental Agent, Building Consultant
Median Annual Salary
$56,320
+3.1% growth (2024-2034)
37K
Openings/Year
421K
Current Jobs
What Real estate sales agents Do
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.
💰 Salary
$56,320
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
37K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
420,900
Projected Employment (2034)
433,700
Related Careers
Property, real estate, and community association managers
$66,700 •
+3.6% growth
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents
$78,140 •
+3.3% growth
Real estate brokers
$72,280 •
+3.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Negotiation
Social Perceptiveness
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
- Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
- Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.
- Generate lists of properties that are compatible with buyers' needs and financial resources.
- 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.
- Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services.
- Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold to determine its competitive market price.
- Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds.
- Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking.
- Contact previous clients for prospecting of referral business.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Real estate sales agents
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a real estate sales agents:
Real Estate
7,906 degrees awarded •
209 colleges offer this program
Real Estate Development
555 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Real estate sales agents
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become real estate sales agents.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do real estate sales agents make?
The median annual salary for real estate sales agents is $56,320.
What education do real estate sales agents need?
Most real estate sales agents positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Real Estate, Real Estate Development.
Is becoming real estate sales agents a good career choice?
Real estate sales agents is projected to see +3.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 36,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for real estate sales agents?
Top colleges for aspiring real estate sales agents include
New York University, University of Georgia, University of Southern California, Columbia University in the City of New York, Harvard University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to real estate sales agents?
Real estate sales agents may also be known as: Agricultural Real Estate Agent, Apartment Leasing Agent, Apartment Leasing Consultant, Apartment Rental Agent, Building Consultant, Buyers' Agent, Closing Agent, Closing Coordinator, Contracts Specialist, Home Sales Consultant, Industrial Real Estate Agent, Land Agent, Land Sales Agent, Leasing Agent, Leasing Associate, Leasing Consultant, Leasing Professional, Leasing Specialist, Licensed Real Estate Agent, Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.