Alternative Jobs for Real Estate Agents in 2026: Opportunities and Insights
As the real estate landscape continues to evolve in 2026, licensed real estate agents are exploring various alternative career paths that leverage their skills and knowledge. From property management to real estate education, these roles offer diverse opportunities for professionals seeking a change.
In this article, we’ll outline ten viable alternative jobs for licensed real estate agents, discuss different career trajectories, and provide insights into the requirements for obtaining a real estate license. We’ll also explore the reasons many agents opt for alternative careers after obtaining their licenses.
Key Takeaways
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The top three alternative jobs for real estate agents are county tax assessor, real estate broker, and commercial appraiser.
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To obtain a real estate license, candidates need a high school diploma, completion of a real estate certification course, and a passing score on the licensing exam.
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Many real estate agents explore alternative jobs due to heightened competition in their markets, making it challenging to build a client base.
10 Alternative Jobs for Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents have a variety of alternative career options, including roles as county tax assessors, real estate brokers, and commercial appraisers. Here are more career paths to consider:
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County Tax Assessor
Average Annual Salary: $57,008A tax assessor evaluates property values for local governments, considering factors like size, condition, and location to determine fair tax assessments.
Requirements: Typically requires a degree in real estate or a related field, along with additional licensing for property appraisal.
Job outlook: County tax assessor job growth is projected at 4% through 2031, according to the BLS.
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Real Estate Broker
Average Annual Salary: $102,000While often confused with agents, brokers oversee transactions and manage offers, requiring more experience and responsibility.
Requirements: Must possess a real estate license, work in the field for a set number of years, and pass a broker’s exam.
Job outlook: Real estate broker positions are expected to grow by 5% through 2031, per BLS data.
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Commercial Appraiser
Average Annual Salary: $51,000A commercial appraiser assesses the value of commercial properties, performing inspections and administrative duties.
Requirements: Generally requires a bachelor’s degree, specific coursework, and 3,000 hours of supervised experience.
Job outlook: Job growth for commercial appraisers is projected at 4% through 2031, according to the BLS.
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Property Manager
Average Annual Salary: $43,000A property manager oversees rental properties, handling tenant relations, maintenance, and leasing tasks.
Requirements: Requirements vary, with some employers accepting high school diplomas, while others prefer a bachelor’s degree in business.
Job outlook: Property manager positions are projected to grow by 3% through 2031, per BLS forecasts.
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Property Inspector
Average Annual Salary: $39,517A property inspector assesses residential buildings to ensure they meet safety and building codes, documenting findings meticulously.
Requirements: Typically requires a postsecondary degree related to construction or building technology, certification, and two years of experience.
Job outlook: Property inspector jobs are projected to decline by 4% through 2031, according to the BLS.
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Real Estate Investor
Average Annual Salary: $82,023Real estate investors buy, renovate, and sell properties or hold them for rental income, focusing on the financial aspects rather than direct sales.
Requirements: While formal education isn’t strictly required, knowledge of real estate, finance, and market analysis significantly enhances success.
Job outlook: N/A
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Home Stager
Average Annual Salary: $50,490Home stagers enhance the appeal of properties through effective staging techniques, helping potential buyers envision themselves in the space.
Requirements: While no specific licensing is required, many successful home stagers have backgrounds in real estate or interior design.
Job outlook: N/A
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Real Estate Teacher
Average Annual Salary: $137,833If you have a passion for educating others about real estate, consider becoming a real estate teacher, either in-person or through online platforms.
Requirements: Most formal educators have a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience, while online course creators may not have the same formal requirements.
Job outlook: Real estate educator positions are projected to grow by 12% through 2031, according to the BLS.
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Foreclosure Specialist
Average Annual Salary: $46,296Foreclosure specialists manage the processes related to property foreclosures, including documentation and compliance with legal requirements.
Requirements: A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, along with experience and knowledge of foreclosure laws.
Job outlook: N/A
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Leasing Consultant
Average Annual Salary: $28,000Leasing consultants facilitate the rental process for potential tenants, acting as a liaison between landlords and renters.
Requirements: While not mandatory, having an associate or bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field is advantageous.
Job outlook: Leasing consultant roles are expected to grow by 5% through 2031, as per BLS projections.
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Real Estate Paralegal
Average Annual Salary: $68,000Real estate paralegals assist attorneys in managing legal documents related to property transactions, making this a solid choice for those interested in the legal aspects of real estate.
Requirements: A paralegal program or a bachelor’s degree is generally required, although extensive experience may compensate for formal education.
Job outlook: Employment for real estate paralegals is projected to rise by 14% through 2031, according to BLS data.
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Home Inspector
Average Annual Salary: $51,000Home inspectors assess properties for potential issues, providing crucial reports that help buyers make informed decisions.
Requirements: Requirements differ by state but typically include training and passing a qualifying exam.
Job outlook: Home inspector jobs are expected to decline by 4% through 2031, according to BLS forecasts.
Alternative Career Paths for Real Estate Agents
Source: Zippia.com 
The Requirements for a Real Estate License
The requirements for obtaining a real estate license vary by state but generally include at least a high school diploma and being at least 18 years old. Candidates must complete a real estate certification course and pass a state-mandated licensing exam. The total process can take up to six months.
Why Real Estate Agents Look for Alternative Jobs
Many licensed real estate agents seek alternative careers due to fierce competition in the industry, which can hinder their ability to build a client base. Furthermore, the demanding hours and inconsistent income can impact personal lives and family dynamics. Despite the challenges faced by the approximately two million real estate license holders, numerous alternative career options remain available.
Real Estate Agent Alternative Jobs FAQ
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What can I do with my real estate license besides sell houses?
With a real estate license, you can pursue several roles, including:
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County tax assessor
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Real estate broker
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Commercial appraiser
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Property manager
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Property inspector
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Real estate investor
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Home stager
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Real estate teacher
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Foreclosure specialist
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Leasing consultant
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Real estate paralegal
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Home inspector
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What jobs are available for real estate agents?
Real estate agents can consider a range of roles, including realtor, leasing consultant, real estate teacher, and real estate broker. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist across various sectors for those with a real estate background.
References
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Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Scottsdale Community College – 7 Steps to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent
Author
Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.
