Find a Job You Really Want In
Real Estate Agents continue to be a vital part of the American workforce, with professionals thriving in every state. Contrary to popular belief, these roles are not just limited to regions like California or the South.
At Zippia, we examined where real estate agents can find the most opportunities—places with abundant jobs and competitive salaries that reflect their contributions throughout their careers.
To identify the best states for real estate agents in 2026, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to uncover where the best opportunities lie.
After thorough analysis, we have compiled a list of the top states that offer the best conditions for real estate agents:
This list highlights the best states for Real Estate Sales Agents, showcasing places where they can truly excel in their careers.
Curious about how we ranked these states? Read on to discover our methodology and insights into the top ten states.
If you’re looking for further job insights, check out:
- The 10 Best Cities For Real Estate Agents
- Best Companies To Work For In Houston
- Top 10 Small Companies To Work For In McKinney
How We Identified the Best States for Real Estate Agents
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers and have identified two key factors that are top of mind for those looking for employment:
- Availability of job opportunities
- Competitive salary levels
To determine the best states for real estate agents in the U.S., we examined job availability and salary metrics. Our analysis utilized the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A metric indicating how prevalent a job is within a given state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average entry-level salary.
- Average salary for experienced professionals.
We standardized salary comparisons to account for cost of living variations across states. For example, although California’s average salary for real estate agents is $65,790, the cost of living makes the Illinois average of $59,150 more advantageous for residents.
For our overall ranking, we assigned scores to each state across the criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. The states were then averaged into a Job Score, with the lowest score indicating the best state for real estate agents.
Now, let’s delve into the details that make each of these states exceptional for real estate agents.
1. Texas
Total Jobs: 16,210
Average Annual Salary: $64,070
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,760
Average Experienced Salary: $126,330
Location Quotient: 1.28
2. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 230
Average Annual Salary: $81,920
Average Entry Level Salary: $34,590
Average Experienced Salary: $103,100
Location Quotient: 0.76
3. New York
Total Jobs: 6,010
Average Annual Salary: $103,490
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,130
Average Experienced Salary: $201,470
Location Quotient: 0.61
4. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 3,390
Average Annual Salary: $55,150
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,450
Average Experienced Salary: $105,960
Location Quotient: 1.98
5. Virginia
Total Jobs: 6,720
Average Annual Salary: $62,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,900
Average Experienced Salary: $112,380
Location Quotient: 1.65
6. Arizona
Total Jobs: 3,150
Average Annual Salary: $70,050
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,910
Average Experienced Salary: $181,020
Location Quotient: 1.1
7. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 5,160
Average Annual Salary: $62,070
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,270
Average Experienced Salary: $131,360
Location Quotient: 1.13
8. Washington
Total Jobs: 7,420
Average Annual Salary: $58,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $27,600
Average Experienced Salary: $104,020
Location Quotient: 2.24
9. Kansas
Total Jobs: 710
Average Annual Salary: $63,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $23,210
Average Experienced Salary: $122,420
Location Quotient: 0.48
10. New Mexico
Total Jobs: 850
Average Annual Salary: $60,440
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,800
Average Experienced Salary: $95,320
Location Quotient: 0.97
Conclusion: The Best States for Real Estate Agents
If you’re considering a career as a real estate agent, these states should be at the forefront of your list. They offer competitive salaries, job availability, and opportunities for advancement.
For those interested in the challenges of the job market, here are the states that present the most hurdles for real estate agents:
For additional insights, explore:
- Top 11 Best Start-Ups to Work For in Austin, TX
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Austin
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Dallas
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Fort Worth
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Houston
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs In San Antonio
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Texas
- 100 Largest Companies In Texas
Detailed List of the Best States for Real Estate Agents
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | $64,070 |
| 2 | Wyoming | $81,920 |
| 3 | New York | $103,490 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | $55,150 |
| 5 | Virginia | $62,910 |
| 6 | Arizona | $70,050 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $62,070 |
| 8 | Washington | $58,100 |
| 9 | Kansas | $63,640 |
| 10 | New Mexico | $60,440 |
| 11 | Colorado | $72,480 |
| 12 | Nevada | $61,570 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $58,130 |
| 14 | Florida | $58,980 |
| 15 | Missouri | $54,060 |
| 16 | Indiana | $61,880 |
| 17 | Alabama | $58,700 |
| 18 | Illinois | $59,150 |
| 19 | Idaho | $57,800 |
| 20 | Utah | $52,830 |
| 21 | South Carolina | $50,700 |
| 22 | South Dakota | $57,150 |
| 23 | Maine | $69,210 |
| 24 | North Dakota | $53,200 |
| 25 | Louisiana | $51,410 |
| 26 | Delaware | $47,660 |
| 27 | Mississippi | $44,020 |
| 28 | West Virginia | $53,860 |
| 29 | Georgia | $44,780 |
| 30 | Nebraska | $48,110 |
| 31 | Tennessee | $46,370 |
| 32 | Kentucky | $41,410 |
| 33 | Minnesota | $49,460 |
| 34 | New Jersey | $61,860 |
| 35 | Massachusetts | $66,430 |
| 36 | Iowa | $46,520 |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $53,640 |
| 38 | Alaska | $68,040 |
| 39 | Ohio | $39,900 |
| 40 | Michigan | $43,620 |
| 41 | Maryland | $59,980 |
| 42 | California | $65,790 |
| 43 | Arkansas | $34,190 |
| 44 | Montana | $45,560 |
| 45 | Hawaii | $85,110 |
| 46 | New Hampshire | $49,670 |
| 47 | Oregon | $50,040 |
| 48 | Connecticut | $46,120 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
