How to Become a Real Estate Brokers in California
Real Estate Brokers in California earn a median salary of $82,050/year, which is 14% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~4.6%. After taxes and rent, a real estate brokers takes home approximately $3,783/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a real estate brokers can afford in California
Becoming a real estate brokers in California
Meet education requirements
Real Estate Brokers positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many real estate brokers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for real estate brokerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 7,250 real estate brokers. The highest concentrations are in Vallejo and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Real Estate Brokers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vallejo | $107K | $51.29/hr | 50 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $91K | $43.68/hr | — |
| Salinas | $86K | $41.2/hr | — |
| Redding | $86K | $41.14/hr | — |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $80K | $38.44/hr | — |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $76K | $36.49/hr | 150 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $65K | $31.04/hr | — |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $64K | $30.75/hr | — |
Real Estate Brokers salary range in California
Real Estate Brokers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a real estate brokers make in California?▼
The median real estate brokers salary in California is $82,050 per year ($39.45/hr). This is 14% above the national median of $72,280. Salaries range from $45,480 to $199,010.
What are the requirements to become a real estate brokers in California?▼
Real Estate Brokers positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a real estate brokers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $82,050, a real estate brokers in California would take home approximately $5,195/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 27.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for real estate brokers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for real estate brokers in California are Vallejo ($106,680), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($90,850), Salinas ($85,700). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for real estate brokers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.6%. On a $82,050 salary, this means roughly $3,768/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.