Table of contents
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.
Need qualified Realtors?
Post your jobs for free on Cityjobs and reach specialists worldwide.
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.
| Job | Branch | Avg. US salary |
|---|---|---|
| Realtor | Real Estate | 97,760 USD |
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
| Level | Experience | Avg. salary per year |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 0-2 years | $73,320 |
| Mid Level | 3-5 years | $87,984 |
| Experienced | 6-10 years | $97,760 |
| Senior | 11+ years | $107,536 |
| Veteran | 20+ years | $122,200 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, expert interviews
How much can you earn as a Realtor?
Explore verified salary insights and compensation trends across different countries.
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.
Content verification note
This profile for a Realtor is compiled using a hybrid approach: Core data is sourced from the BLS and Payscale, synthesized via AI for structure, and manually verified by our editorial team for accuracy.
