These are the top 25 states ranked by average annual income for residential real estate agents. Note: we’ve used average income to determine rankings, but also include median income where available to provide insight into what typical agents in each state earn.
25. North Dakota
Average: $63,620
Median: ~$50,000 (est.)
North Dakota’s high average income is driven by a handful of agents closing large land and oilfield-related deals. But most residential agents earn closer to $50K, which better reflects modest home values across the state.
24. Indiana
Average: $64,610
Median: ~$45,000 (est.)
Hot markets like Indianapolis boost Indiana’s numbers, but widespread affordability keeps commissions—and the median income—lower for most agents.
23. South Carolina
Average: $65,160
Median: $45,820
Tourism-driven markets like Charleston and Myrtle Beach increase average earnings, but agents working inland or in smaller towns pull the median down.
22. Arkansas
Average: $66,750
Median: $43,330
A few big earners (often handling land deals) skew the average up. The typical Arkansas agent earns considerably less, reflective of the state’s low home prices.
21. Iowa
Average: $69,210
Median: $48,130
Steady markets like Des Moines help push up income for top producers, but many Iowa agents deal in low-priced rural properties, keeping the median modest.
20. Virginia
Average: $69,510
Median: ~$50,000 (est.)
Northern Virginia’s affluent suburbs support high commissions, but agents in rural and coastal areas see lower earnings on average.
19. Maryland
Average: $69,810
Median: $53,080
Proximity to D.C. helps Maryland agents in luxury suburbs. The rest of the state offers more affordable housing, which keeps the median lower.
18. Rhode Island
Average: $71,490
Median: ~$48,000 (est.)
Coastal luxury homes (e.g., Newport) raise the average, though most agents work mid-market sales that pay much less.
17. Connecticut
Average: $71,830
Median: ~$55,000 (est.)
Wealthy suburbs and second-home markets increase average income. But like other Northeastern states, the income gap between top and typical agents is wide.
16. Washington
Average: $72,080
Median: $56,500
Seattle’s high prices help top earners rake it in. Median income suggests average agents still earn decently well statewide.
15. Alaska
Average: $72,290
Median: $51,000
Limited agent competition and high-value homes in Anchorage boost income. The market is small, so income depends heavily on local opportunity.
14. Mississippi
Average: $72,900
Median: $69,600
Unusually close average and median numbers suggest fewer agents sharing commissions in key markets. High-performing full-timers report strong earnings.
13. Nevada
Average: $73,990
Median: $48,380
Vegas drives up earnings for a lucky few, but the rest see average incomes typical of mid-range housing markets.
12. Wyoming
Average: $74,820
Median: ~$54,000 (est.)
Sparse population and luxury ranch sales push the average high, even though most agents likely earn far less.
11. Texas
Average: $77,320
Median: $47,700
Markets like Austin and Dallas deliver six-figure commissions for some, but intense competition and rural markets pull the median down.
10. California
Average: $77,430
Median: $54,870
Home to sky-high home prices, California agents enjoy big potential payouts—but also big competition. The median shows how many earn far less than the average.
9. Massachusetts
Average: $79,060
Median: $61,250
Boston’s market pulls the state into the top 10. The relatively high median shows more agents benefit from strong home values statewide.
8. Colorado
Average: $79,610
Median: $60,620
Mountain homes and urban growth in Denver help agents capitalize on high values and volume.
7. South Dakota
Average: $79,900 (est.)
Median: ~$55,000 (est.)
Few agents with big land deals inflate the average, but typical agents likely earn mid-$50K annually.
6. New Jersey
Average: $82,090
Median: $69,660
Proximity to NYC and high home values result in strong income potential across the state.
5. Oklahoma
Average: $82,000 (est.)
Median: ~$45,000 (est.)
Big commercial and ranch deals likely push averages up, but most agents earn far less.
4. Tennessee
Average: $84,110
Median: (Not available)
Nashville’s boom and a growing population have pushed commissions to record highs for top agents.
3. New York
Average: $93,950
Median: $52,520
The luxury NYC market inflates the average, but competition and volume dilution bring down the median.
2. New Hampshire
Average: $94,810
Median: $48,530
Small number of agents + some luxury market activity = high average income.
1. Vermont
Average: $100,750
Median: $80,070
Low agent competition and strong vacation-home sales create an income sweet spot for Vermont realtors.
Why These States Rank High
The top-earning states tend to feature high average home values, strong demand, and limited competition. Luxury sales, second-home markets, and hot urban centers push average incomes up. But in many cases, the median income is far lower—showing that a small number of superstar agents skew the averages.
References
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023)
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National Association of Realtors Income and Business Characteristics Reports
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Salary.com Realtor Salary Estimates by State
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Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter average salary reports for real estate agents
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Home Bay Real Estate Agent Salary Data
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RealEstateU 2024 Realtor Income Trends
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CE Shop State-by-State Realtor Income Rankings
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Homelight Realtor Pay Studies
