When thinking about any type of career one of the first questions is – “How much money will I make?” No one wants to do something for nothing. If you are considering becoming a real estate agent looking into how much money you will make is a wise decision.

Time and Energy

Obviously, how much you bring in annually is going to be directly related to the time and energy you are able to devote to your career. If you are only able to work part time then the financial return is not going to be the same as it is for someone who works full time.

Having flexible hours and being willing to put in extra time will also make a difference. If you sell housing in an area where most families work two jobs and can only view houses in the evening and Saturdays then you have to be willing to work those hours.

It Takes Money to Make Money

A career as a real estate agent is one of those jobs where it is going to take money to make money. You will have upfront costs such as the cost of school, licensing fees and office set-up if you work on your own. If you choose to work directly for a brokerage firm then your steady income may be a bit more stable than if you launch out on your own immediately.

Salaries and Commissions

Many real estate agents work with a brokerage firm and receive a commission on sales, possibly on top of a regular salary. Commission fees depend on the type of property being sold and the agreement between the broker and the real estate agent.

According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics the following statistics apply to real estate agent earnings:

The median annual earnings of salaried real estate agents, including commissions, were $30,930 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,010 and $52,860 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,780.

While the average agent is not going to get rich quick it is possible to earn a decent living. Again the more you put into your career the more you will get out of it, both in financial returns and job satisfaction.