Real Estate Brokers

O*NET 41-9021.00 · SOC 41-9021

Real Estate Broker is a solid career choice. Median pay is $73k a year with +0.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 7,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+0.8%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$73k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
8k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Manage and supervise licensed real estate sales agents.
  • Review purchase agreements and contracts for accuracy.
  • Negotiate property sale prices between buyers and sellers.
  • Maintain a brokerage office and oversee daily operations.
  • Resolve disputes arising during real estate transactions.

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Real Estate Broker roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Real Estate Broker? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership — offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative — frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Real Estate Broker involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningManage and supervise licensed real estate sales agents.
MiddayReview purchase agreements and contracts for accuracy.
AfternoonNegotiate property sale prices between buyers and sellers.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)6.5
Conventional (Organizers)5.8
Social (Helpers)2.9
Realistic (Doers)2.7
Investigative (Thinkers)1.5
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Real Estate Broker?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe ExecutiveESFJThe ProviderENTJThe CommanderISTJThe Inspector

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Real Estate Broker Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Real Estate Brokers is projected to grow 0.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

41/100Moderate — likely AI-complementary
  • ·42% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
  • ·35% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Real Estate Broker make?

The median Real Estate Broker earns $73k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Real Estate Broker jobs?

Our model puts Real Estate Broker at 41 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate — likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 35% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace.

Is Real Estate Broker a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 0.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 7,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Real Estate Broker?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Real Estate Broker roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Real Estate Broker?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Real Estate Broker career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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