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Trade Career Guide

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

Real estate sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Every state requires a license, and earnings are heavily commission-based — top agents earn well above the median.

Median salary

$56,320

per year · BLS May 2024

Typical range

$31,940–$125,140

~10th–90th percentile

Job outlook

+3%

2024–2034 · About as fast as average

Time to qualify

A few weeks to a few months

Step-by-step: becoming a Real Estate Agent

  1. 1

    Meet your state's minimum age and education requirements.

  2. 2

    Complete your state's required prelicensing course hours.

  3. 3

    Pass your state Real Estate Salesperson licensing exam.

  4. 4

    Activate your license under a sponsoring broker.

  5. 5

    Join your local MLS and association of Realtors.

  6. 6

    Pursue a Broker license with added experience to run your own office.

Typical entry path: High school diploma plus prelicensing courses; license required in all states.

Ready to pass the Real Estate Salesperson exam?

The licensing exam is the gate to this career. Practice free on VoltExam with real exam-style questions and instant explanations — no signup to start.

Real Estate Agent exam prep →Free practice questionsBrowse topics

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Salary and job-outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Real Estate Sales Agents, SOC 41-9022; OEWS wages May 2024; Occupational Outlook Handbook projections 2024–2034). National medians; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. Verify current figures at bls.gov.