05/20/2026
Most people think real estate agents make $80,000 to $115,000 a year.
That number comes from self-reported salary sites skewed toward the top performers who bother to fill out surveys.
The verified data tells a different story.
After brokerage splits, self-employment tax, and the annual expense stack that every licensed agent pays whether they close deals or not — the median REALTOR® nets $36,600.
New agents? Median gross of $8,100. 62% earned less than $10,000.
I wrote the full breakdown — income, hidden costs, the schedule, the deals that fall through without a paycheck, and what the commission on your home sale actually becomes by the time it hits an agent's pocket.
If you've ever wondered what this job really is, it's worth a read.
I've been doing this for 12 years.I hold an Associate Broker license. I work out of Modern Realty in Midland, Michigan. I specialize in first-time homebuyers and move-up buyers and sellers. I have sat across the kitchen table from hundreds of people at some of the most financially stressful moments....