How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in California?

Imagine this: no salary caps, no waiting on annual raises, and no one else deciding your worth. In California real estate, every closed deal turns into income, and in the state’s high-priced housing market, even a handful of sales can lead to six figures.

Let’s break down how much agents earn and where the biggest opportunities are.

California Real Estate Agent Salary by Experience

Experience is a major income driver. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California real estate sales agents earn:

• Entry-level (under 1 year): approximately $71,110
• Mid-career (1–4 years): $81,460 (based on national 75th percentile)
• Top earners (90th percentile): $119,590+

Meanwhile, Indeed reports that California agents average about $111,000 annually across all experience levels. Many agents surpass that within a few years, especially in fast-moving urban markets.

Where You Work Matters

Income varies significantly by region, thanks to differences in home prices and market competition.

The BLS reports the following annual mean wages:

• San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward: $80,470
• San Diego–Carlsbad: $80,470
• Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim: $71,110
• Fresno metro area: $63,790

But platform-specific data often reports higher numbers. For example:

• Indeed says agents in Los Angeles average about $105,000
• Indeed lists Anaheim agents at $127,000
• ZipRecruiter shows the state’s average at $94,000, with a range up to $149,000+

Bottom line: higher-cost markets typically mean larger commissions, but they can also mean more competition.

How Real Estate Agents Get Paid

Real estate agents typically earn money through commission, not a base salary. Here’s the usual breakdown:

• A home sells for $700,000
• Commission is 6% (split between buyer’s and seller’s agents)
• That’s $21,000 total → your share = $10,500

Now do that 1–2 times a month, and you’ve got a six-figure career. Your income grows with your pipeline.

Why More People Are Choosing Real Estate

Whether you’re switching careers or starting fresh, real estate offers what many jobs don’t:

• Flexible hours: You control your calendar
• Unlimited income potential: No salary ceilings
• Fast track to earnings: Many agents earn $50,000–$75,000 in year one

With AceableAgent’s Real Estate License course, you can complete your pre-licensing education 100% online, at your own pace.

Get Licensed and Start Earning

Here’s what you get with AceableAgent:

• Mobile-friendly, flexible study platform
• In-course tools to help you retain key concepts
• Fast-track to exam prep and licensing

Want a deeper dive? Visit the California Real Estate Career Center for licensing steps, salary insights, and day-one career guidance.