Real Estate Broker Salary in USA 2025
Commercial, residential, and brokerage ownership income
Average Real Estate Broker Income
How Much Do Real Estate Brokers Earn in 2025?
Real estate brokers are licensed professionals who can operate independently, own brokerages, and supervise real estate agents. Unlike agents who must work under a broker, brokers have additional licensing requirements and greater earning potential through both personal production and team/brokerage income.
2025 real estate broker income varies dramatically: BLS reports median of $56,620 for all brokers and agents, but active full-time brokers typically earn $60,000–$150,000, with top producers reaching $200,000–$500,000+. Commercial real estate brokers earn $100,000–$300,000+ due to larger transaction sizes.
Income is 100% commission-based for most brokers—no salary, no benefits, no guaranteed income. Success depends on market conditions, personal production, and business development skills. Brokerage owners earn additional income from agent splits. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Real Estate Broker Income Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BLS Median (All Brokers/Agents) | $56,620 |
| Active Broker (Full-Time) | $60,000–$150,000 |
| Residential Top Producer | $150,000–$400,000+ |
| Commercial Broker | $100,000–$300,000+ |
| Brokerage Owner | $100,000–$500,000+ |
| Typical Commission Split | 2.5–3% of transaction |
Use our salary calculator for income planning.
Real Estate Broker vs. Agent Salary
| Role | Income Range | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent | $30K–$100K | Works under broker, splits commission |
| Associate Broker | $50K–$150K | Broker license, works under another broker |
| Managing Broker | $80K–$200K | Supervises agents, may have salary |
| Broker-Owner | $100K–$500K+ | Owns brokerage, earns from agent splits |
Real Estate Agent
Income: $30,000–$100,000 typical
Must work under supervising broker. Typically keeps 50–80% of commission depending on brokerage model (traditional split, 100% commission + fees, or hybrid).
Real Estate Broker
Income: $60,000–$150,000+ typical
Additional licensing (varies by state, typically requires agent experience + exam). Can work independently, keep 100% of personal production commission, and earn from supervising agents.
Broker-Owner
Income: $100,000–$500,000+
Owns the brokerage. Income from personal production + percentage of all agent transactions (typically 20–50% of agent's commission share) + desk fees. Top brokerages can generate $1M+ owner income.
Residential vs. Commercial Broker Salary
| Specialization | Income Range | Deal Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (Entry) | $40K–$80K | High volume, smaller deals |
| Residential (Established) | $80K–$200K | Repeat clients, referrals |
| Luxury Residential | $150K–$500K+ | Fewer deals, higher commission |
| Commercial (Entry) | $50K–$100K | Long sales cycles |
| Commercial (Established) | $100K–$300K+ | Large transactions |
| Commercial (Top) | $300K–$1M+ | Institutional deals |
Commercial Real Estate Broker
Income: $100,000–$300,000+ (established), top producers $500K–$1M+
Larger transactions ($500K–$50M+) mean higher per-deal income. Longer sales cycles (6–18 months), complex deals, specialized knowledge required. Types: office, retail, industrial, multifamily, investment sales.
Luxury Residential Broker
Income: $150,000–$500,000+
Homes $1M+ (varies by market). Fewer transactions but larger commissions. Network and relationships critical. Markets: Beverly Hills, Manhattan, Miami Beach, Hamptons.
Real Estate Broker Income by Location
| Location | Broker Income Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $100K–$500K+ | High prices, competitive |
| Los Angeles, CA | $80K–$400K+ | Luxury market, high volume |
| Miami, FL | $70K–$300K+ | International buyers, luxury |
| San Francisco, CA | $100K–$350K+ | High prices per sqft |
| Dallas/Austin, TX | $60K–$200K | High volume, growth market |
| National Average | $60K–$150K | Baseline |
High-Value Markets
Markets with expensive homes = higher per-transaction income. $500K home × 2.5% commission = $12,500. $2M home = $50,000. Top NYC and LA brokers earn $500K–$2M+ annually.
Real Estate Commission Structures
How Commission Works
Total commission: Typically 5–6% of sale price (negotiable)
Split between sides: 2.5–3% to listing side, 2.5–3% to buyer's side
Agent-broker split: Agent keeps 50–90% depending on brokerage model
Commission Example
$400,000 home sale, 5% total commission = $20,000
Listing broker's side: $10,000
If agent on 70/30 split: Agent keeps $7,000, broker keeps $3,000
Brokerage Models
Traditional Split: 50/50 to 70/30 agent/broker (training, support included)
100% Commission: Agent keeps all commission, pays monthly desk fee ($500–$2,000/month)
Cap Model: Split until annual cap reached, then 100% (e.g., Keller Williams)
How to Increase Your Real Estate Broker Income
Move to Commercial Real Estate
Commercial brokers earn $100K–$300K+ versus residential $60K–$150K. Requires specialization and longer ramp-up.
Focus on Luxury Market
Luxury brokers earn $150K–$500K+. Build network in affluent areas.
Build a Team
Team leaders earn override on team production. Top teams generate $50M+ in volume.
Own a Brokerage
Brokerage owners earn from all agent transactions plus personal production. Scale creates leverage.
Relocate to High-Value Markets
NYC/LA/SF brokers earn 2–3x national average due to property values.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Career Path and Related Roles
| Career Stage | Position | Income Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Real Estate Agent | $30K–$60K |
| Established | Full-Time Agent | $60K–$120K |
| Licensed | Associate Broker | $70K–$150K |
| Management | Managing Broker | $80K–$180K |
| Ownership | Broker-Owner | $100K–$500K+ |
Related Roles
Mortgage Loan Officer: $60,000–$150,000
Property Manager: $50,000–$90,000
Real Estate Appraiser: $55,000–$100,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average real estate broker salary in 2025?
BLS reports median of $56,620 for all brokers/agents. Active full-time brokers earn $60,000–$150,000 typically. Top residential producers earn $150K–$400K+. Commercial brokers earn $100K–$300K+. Brokerage owners can earn $100K–$500K+.
Can real estate brokers make $100K?
Yes. Established residential brokers commonly earn $80K–$150K. Commercial brokers typically exceed $100K once established. Luxury residential brokers earn $150K–$500K+. Key: transaction volume and average sale price. See jobs that pay $100K.
What's the difference between a broker and an agent?
Agents must work under a supervising broker. Brokers have additional licensing (typically 2–3 years agent experience + exam) and can work independently, own brokerages, and supervise agents. Brokers keep more of their commission and can earn from agents they supervise.
How much do commercial real estate brokers make?
Commercial brokers earn $100,000–$300,000+ once established. Top commercial brokers (institutional investment sales) earn $500K–$1M+. Longer sales cycles but larger transactions. Specializations: office, retail, industrial, multifamily, land.
Is becoming a real estate broker worth it?
For committed professionals, yes. Unlimited income potential, independence, flexible schedule. Challenges: 100% commission (no salary), competitive market, startup costs, market cycle sensitivity. Best for self-motivated entrepreneurs comfortable with income variability.