Here’s What to Know Before You Start
If you’re considering a career change or looking for a profession that offers flexibility, growth potential, and the opportunity to help people achieve their dreams of homeownership, real estate might be the right path for you. But before you take the leap, it’s important to understand exactly what this career entails and whether it’s a good fit for your goals!
Let’s start with the facts about income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data), the median annual wage for real estate sales agents was $56,320. This means half of all agents earned more than this amount, and half earned less. For real estate brokers, who have additional licensing and experience, the median annual wage was $72,280.
It’s important to understand that real estate income varies widely based on experience, location, and effort. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the lowest 10 percent of sales agents earned less than $31,940, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $125,140. Your income potential grows significantly as you build your client base and gain experience in the industry.
The National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Member Profile (based on 2024 data) provides additional insight: the median gross income for REALTORS® rose to $58,100 in 2024, up from $55,800 in 2023. Experience matters significantly. Agents with two years or less of experience earned a median of $8,100, while those with 16 or more years of experience earned a median of $78,900.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of real estate brokers and sales agents will grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Approximately 46,300 job openings for real estate brokers and sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of these openings result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.
In 2024, there were approximately 420,900 real estate sales agent jobs and 111,300 real estate broker jobs in the United States, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
For those considering real estate in Florida specifically, the market outlook is encouraging. According to Florida Realtors, the state’s housing market ended 2025 on positive trends. Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 255,012 in 2025, up 0.9% compared to 2024. The statewide median sales price for existing single-family homes at the end of 2025 was approximately $413,000.
The National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a 14% nationwide increase in home sales for 2026, with home prices expected to climb 4% nationally. Florida continues to attract buyers due to steady population growth, and U-Haul recently recognized Florida as the #2 growth state of 2025. International buying activity also remains strong, with Canadians spending $1.9 billion on Florida properties in 2025, a 52% increase from the previous year.
Florida’s licensing requirements are straightforward. To become a licensed real estate sales associate in Florida, you must:
1. Be at least 18 years of age
2. Have a United States Social Security number
3. Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
4. Complete a Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)-approved 63-hour pre-licensing course
5. Submit fingerprints for a background check
6. Submit your application and fee to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
7. Pass the state licensing examination
You do not need to be a Florida resident to obtain a Florida real estate license. The course certification remains valid for two years from the date of completion. After receiving your initial license, you must complete a 45-hour post-licensing course for sales associates before your first renewal. Current active licensees require 14 hours of continuing education for subsequent renewals.
On average, it takes approximately 10 weeks (70 days) to obtain your real estate license in Florida. This breaks down to approximately 45 days to complete your pre-licensing course, 7 days to schedule and complete fingerprinting, 10 days for application processing and approval, and 8 days to schedule and take your state exam.
The total cost to get licensed in Florida is approximately $340, which covers the pre-licensing course, background check, application fee, and state examination fee. If you need to retake the exam, the fee is $57.75 per attempt. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the exam.
According to the NAR 2025 Member Profile, the typical REALTOR® has 12 years of experience in the industry. The typical member completed 10 transaction sides in 2024, with a median sales volume of $2.5 million. Notably, 74% of members said they were “very certain” they would remain active in the real estate industry for at least the next two years, demonstrating strong confidence in the profession despite market challenges.
The typical REALTOR® works approximately 35 hours per week. About 87% of agents work as independent contractors, and 55% are affiliated with independent companies. One significant factor in agent income is repeat business and referrals, which account for 41% of the average agent’s transactions.
Real estate is a commission-based profession. Unlike salaried positions, your income depends on completing transactions. This means you’ll need financial reserves to support yourself during your initial months as you build your client base and close your first deals. The NAR reports that new agents with two years or less experience completed a median of just 3 transactions with a median sales volume of $500,000.
You should also factor in business expenses. The NAR reports that REALTORS® spent a median of $8,010 on business expenses in 2024. The largest expense category was vehicle costs, averaging $1,650, followed by administrative expenses at $870.
The current market presents both challenges and opportunities. Twenty-five percent of NAR members cited housing affordability as the biggest hurdle for potential homebuyers. However, mortgage rates have begun easing from their 2025 highs, and market conditions are expected to continue improving through 2026.
A career in real estate offers flexibility, unlimited income potential, and the satisfaction of helping people through one of the most significant transactions of their lives. The barriers to entry are relatively low compared to other professions with similar earning potential, and the Florida market continues to show strength heading into 2026.
If you’re self-motivated, comfortable with commission-based income, and ready to invest the time to build relationships and master your local market, real estate could be an excellent career choice.
Ready to take the first step? First Coast School of Real Estate offers state-approved pre-licensing courses to help you launch your real estate career. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your professional goals.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents (May 2024 data)
National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Member Profile
Florida Realtors Housing Market Data (2025)
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate
MyFloridaLicense.com, Real Estate Commission
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