Real Estate

Realtor: Career Guide

Empower clients to make informed real estate decisions as a Realtor, expertly navigating market trends, negotiations, and transactions.

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  • FieldReal Estate
  • Avg. US salary$97,760 / year
  • Open jobs on CityjobsNone right now

What does a Realtor do?

Realtors assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. They use their knowledge of the real estate market to advise clients, negotiate deals, and ensure smooth transactions. Realtors work within real estate brokerages and must be licensed to operate in their state.

Key duties & responsibilities

Realtors in the Real Estate field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • Provide guidance to clients on buying, selling, and renting processes; understand their needs and preferences.
  • Analyze local real estate market trends to advise clients on pricing and market conditions.
  • List and manage property advertisements across multiple channels.
  • Organize and conduct property showings and open houses.
  • Negotiate contracts, offers, and terms on behalf of clients.
  • Prepare and manage all real estate transaction documents.
  • Build and maintain a network of clients through referrals and direct marketing efforts.

For employers

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How to become a Realtor

Launching a career as a Realtor requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

  • High school diploma required; degree in real estate, business, or related field is advantageous.
  • Must be a licensed realtor in the state of practice.
  • Experience in real estate sales is highly preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Strong understanding of marketing techniques and digital marketing platforms.
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

Requirements & skills

  • Ongoing education to meet licensing requirements and stay updated on real estate laws.
  • Strong networking skills to grow client base and connect with professionals.
  • Proficiency with real estate software, CRM systems, and digital marketing tools.
  • Adherence to the Realtor Code of Ethics and all applicable real estate laws.
  • In-depth knowledge of the local and regional real estate markets.

Realtor salary guide

Wondering what Realtors earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Avg. US salary · Real Estate $97,760 per year

The average salary for a Realtor in the U.S. is approximately $97,760 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Realtors may receive a wide range of benefits.

Realtor salary career steps

  • Entry Level0-2 years $73,320
  • Mid Level3-5 years $87,984
  • Experienced6-10 years $97,760
  • Senior11+ years $107,536
  • Veteran20+ years $122,200

Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average; actual pay varies by employer, region and experience.

Salary report

How much can you earn as a Realtor?

Explore salary insights and compensation trends across different countries.

View salary report

How to advance your career

Realtors can advance to become Senior Realtors, Broker Associates, or manage their own real estate office. They may also specialize in areas such as commercial real estate, luxury properties, or property management.

Typical work environment

Realtors often work out of an office, but much of their work is conducted in the field at properties, meetings, or networking events. They typically work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate clients’ schedules.

About this profile

This profile for a Realtor is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is intended as a general orientation — duties, requirements and salaries can differ by employer, country and experience.

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