Real Estate Agent Salary in California
Real Estate Agents in California earn an average of $65,982 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.5% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$65,982
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.72
per hour
vs National
+16.5%
$56,620 national
Salary Range
$43,071
to $97,071
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$65,982
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$46,466
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Real Estate Agent's salary of $65,982 has the purchasing power of $46,466 in an average-cost area.
Real Estate Agent Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $77,108 | $37.07/hr | $49,505 | $112,565 | 428 |
| San Francisco, CA | $75,153 | $36.13/hr | $48,503 | $113,273 | 534 |
| San Diego, CA | $63,573 | $30.56/hr | $42,225 | $93,568 | 369 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $63,544 | $30.55/hr | $39,825 | $92,944 | 647 |
| Sacramento, CA | $60,169 | $28.93/hr | $40,584 | $87,018 | 457 |
| Riverside, CA | $56,345 | $27.09/hr | $37,785 | $83,055 | 430 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Real Estate Agent Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,865 Real Estate Agents employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Real Estate Agent Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$43,071
Starting salary for new Real Estate Agents
Median (50th Percentile)
$65,982
Mid-career Real Estate Agent salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$97,071
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Real Estate Agent Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Real Estate Agent salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Real Estate Agent Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Real Estate Agent salary in California?
The average Real Estate Agent salary in California is $65,982 per year ($31.72/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.5% above the national average of $56,620.
What is the highest paying city for Real Estate Agents in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Real Estate Agents in California, with a median salary of $77,108 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $56,345.
What is the salary range for Real Estate Agents in California?
Real Estate Agent salaries in California range from $43,071 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $97,071 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $65,982 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.