As you contemplate a new career, you likely first consider whether the industry is one you will enjoy. Another top-of-mind question people consider when contemplating a career pivot is: “What is the average salary for real estate agents?”
When it comes to salaries, real estate is a unique industry because agents typically work solely on negotiable commissions. Most people who go into real estate are excited by the prospect of unlimited income potential, especially if they have worked hard in previous jobs without receiving financial rewards. However, with so many possibilities, it can be hard to predict the average salary for someone getting started in real estate. Let’s look at those income stats for beginning real estate agents in Florida.
Key Takeaways: Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Florida
- Starting Salaries Vary: The average starting salary for real estate agents in Florida is roughly $95,250, but this figure fluctuates based on hours worked and market conditions.
- Income Factors Matter: A real estate agent’s income depends on several factors, including location, expertise, brokerage commission split, and niche.
- Best Practices Maximize Earnings: You can significantly increase your entry-level salary by following proven strategies such as networking and building a strong online presence.
Overall Expectations for Real Estate Starting Salaries
Starting salaries in real estate can vary widely depending on several factors, including whether you work full-time or part-time, your location, your niche (residential, commercial, luxury, etc.), your company or brokerage, and your specific role. (After all, not everyone in real estate works as a commissioned salesperson.) You may also work as a property manager or work for a real estate developer.
To give you some context, while the national average for real estate agents hovers around $64,112 annually according to ZipRecruiter (January 2026), Florida often presents unique opportunities due to its high volume of transactions and luxury markets. Unlike salaried corporate roles where income is fixed, your potential here is directly tied to your effort and strategy.
Average Starting Salaries for Real Estate Agents in Florida
The income of new real estate agents in Florida varies heavily, influenced by the amount of time you dedicate to the profession. According to a September 2025 survey of Gold Coast alumni:
- 1–3 Years Experience: Nearly one in five agents report earnings in the $25,000–$49,999 range.
- 4–10 Years Experience: Income expands significantly, with about one-third earning between $50,000 and $149,999.
- Hours Worked: Over half of surveyed alumni (56%) work fewer than 20 hours per week, which lowers the averages. Those committing 40+ hours consistently report far greater income.
Learn More Salary Stats: Click Here for a 2026 Salary Guide
Factors Influencing Real Estate Agent Salaries
The salary mentioned above is the average of what first-year real estate agents make. Here are some detailed factors influencing an agent’s starting salary.
1. Location and region
The commission earned by a real estate agent typically depends on the property’s sale price, so it makes sense that salespeople working in high-value areas like Coral Gables or Naples make more per transaction than those working in areas with a lower cost of living. However, location isn’t the only factor determining a first-year agent’s income. People who sell high volumes of residential properties or focus on specific commercial zones can do well, regardless of location.
2. Experience and expertise
As you review the income report, you’ll notice that experienced real estate agents report having a higher income than those just getting started. This shouldn’t be surprising, as experienced agents typically have a larger network and client base, so they don’t have to work as hard to find leads.
3. Brokerage and commission structures
Another factor that plays a role in how much you’ll make the first year is the agreement you sign with your brokerage. Beginning real estate agents are often required to give their brokerage a larger share of their commissions in exchange for training and support resources. The percentage you keep may increase as you become more independent and close more deals.
4. Real estate niches
Specializing can pay off. Agents focusing on second homes, for instance, often report higher earnings than those in general residential niches. Being laser-focused on a specific niche—whether it is luxury estates or commercial leasing—may be one of the best ways to increase your income early on.
Quantifying the Salary Difference Between Different Real Estate Niches
Choosing the right lane can drastically change your entry-level salary expectations.
- Residential Real Estate: This is the most common starting point. Volume is key here; more transactions equal more income.
- Commercial Real Estate: Commercial deals often take longer to close but come with much higher price tags and, consequently, higher commissions. You don’t need a specialized license to be a commercial real estate agent.
- Luxury Markets: Selling in the luxury tier requires a robust network, but a single sale can yield the same commission as five or six standard residential transactions.
Understanding the Costs of Being a Real Estate Agent
To get a realistic picture of your net income, you must subtract the costs of doing business. It is not just about what you earn, but what you keep. Common first-year expenses include:
- Licensing Fees: Application fees ($83.75), exam fees ($36.75), and fingerprinting ($80-$90).
- Pre-Licensing Education: Courses generally range from $140 to $650, depending on the package. The coursework is required to take the real estate exam.
- Association Dues: Membership in local, state, and national associations (like the NAR) can cost several hundred dollars annually.
- Marketing Costs: You are your own brand. Budget for website hosting, business cards, and lead generation tools.
Impact of Market Conditions on Earnings
Finally, market conditions also influence an entry-level real estate agent salary. Interest rates, inventory levels, world events, and home prices may affect your income. For example, when interest rates rise, buyer demand may cool, requiring you to work harder for each sale. Conversely, low inventory can drive up home prices, potentially increasing your earnings per sale.
Like most industries, real estate experiences highs and lows. However, waiting for “perfect” conditions to earn your real estate license is not a good strategy. It is best to have an established brand and connections, so you are ready to work when the market heats up in your location.
Strategies for Maximizing Earning Potential Your First Year
If you’re starting your real estate license courses or have already passed your licensing exam, do yourself a favor and sign up to receive Gold Coast School’s Real Estate Career Starter Kit. Our kit contains actionable strategies to maximize your earning potential as you exit the gate.
Here are a few of the topics our starter kit covers:
- Building a Strong Online Presence: Building a professional online presence is easier said than done, but leveraging your existing contacts is a great way to get started in the industry.
- Networking Effectively: Networking not only helps you connect with potential clients but is also essential for establishing relationships with other agents and industry professionals, leading to referrals and business opportunities.
- Targeting Niche Markets: While residential real estate offers high income potential, consider focusing on luxury, investment, or commercial properties to differentiate yourself.
- Focusing on Education and Training: Gold Coast Schools offers the classes you need to get licensed, renew your license, and upgrade your license. But we also offer courses that help you grow your business. We offer in-person, livestream, and at-your-own-pace online courses, having helped hundreds of thousands of agents from Tallahassee to Key West.
Contact a career advisor today to learn more about how Gold Coast Schools can help you get your real estate license and earn more than the average starting salary for a real estate agent.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on a September 2025 survey of Gold Coast Schools alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Gold Coast Schools strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
Learn What You Can Earn as a Florida Real Estate Professional