We've already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require a password.

Income Data From NAR

The median gross income of REALTORS® — earned from real estate activities — was $39,800 in 2017, a decrease from $42,500 in 2016. Those are licensed as sales agents typically reported a median income of $29,440, a decrease from $33,750 reported in 2016.  Income is typically commensurate with experience. REALTORS® with 16 years or more experience had a median gross income of $78,850—up from $78,800 in 2016.

Source: The 2018 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile can be ordered by calling 800-874-6500 #1 or online. The report is $14.95 to NAR members and costs $149.95 for non-members.

From the NAR Archives

In its first all-member survey conducted in 1949, NAR found that the typical licensed broker earned an annual income of $10,000.

Surveys & Statistics

Real Estate Agent Salaries (Salary.com, 2019)

Realtors® See Increase in Commercial Income and Sales Volume for Second Straight Year (NAR News Release, Nov. 15, 2018)

Realtors® Report Finds 11 Percent Increase in Commercial Member Income, 19 Percent Increase in Sales Transaction Volume (NAR News Release, Aug. 2, 2017)

NAR Reports Significant Increase in Commercial Membership (NAR News Release, Jul 28, 2016)

Articles

Here's How Much Real Estate Agents Earn In Every State (Forbes, Jan. 28, 2019)

The Richest Self-Made Woman in Real Estate Shares Her Best Advice (Forbes, Jun. 5, 2018)

Earn More Business (and Money) Than the Average Agent (REALTOR® Magazine, Aug. 10, 2018)

Biggest Sources of Income for Real Estate Pros (REALTOR® Magazine, Jun. 26, 2017)

Websites & Other Resources

Updated each year by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Real Estate Brokers & Agents section of the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes data on average earnings and wages of real estate licensees.

Salary.com's Salary Wizard features information on median expected annual income for real estate licensees, using survey data from human resources departments around the country.

eBooks & Oth​er Resources

eBooks.realtor.org

The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

7 Money Rules for Life: How to Take Control of Your Financial Future (Kindle, eBook)

Bank On Yourself: The Life-Changing Secret to Growing and Protecting Your Financial Future (Audiobook)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Money (Audiobook)

How to Become a Power Agent in Real Estate: A Top Industry Trainer Explains How to Double Your Income in 12 Months (eBook)

Make Money, Not Excuses: Wake Up, Take Charge, and Overcome Your Financial Fears Forever (Kindle, eBook)

Millionaire Success Habits (Kindle, eBook)

The Richest Man in Babylon (eBook)

The Road to Wealth: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Money (eBook)

Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny (Audiobook)

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The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.