Real Estate Brokers vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Real Estate Brokers out-earn Retail Salespersons by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Real Estate Brokers land at $73,220 and Retail Salespersons at $35,410. The education gap is real: real estate broker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while retail salesperson programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Real Estate Brokers is New Jersey ($111,390); for Retail Salespersons it's Washington ($39,560).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Real Estate Brokers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Real Estate Brokers or Retail Salespersons?
Real Estate Brokers earn more nationally. The median is $73,220 for Real Estate Brokers versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersons, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Real Estate Brokers or Retail Salespersons?
Real Estate Brokers has the better 10-year outlook at 3.3% projected growth, compared to -0.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Real Estate Brokers or Retail Salespersons?
Real Estate Brokers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Retail Salespersons requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Real Estate Brokers get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Real Estate Brokers at $111,390/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Real Estate Brokers vs. Retail Salespersons pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Real Estate Brokers earn $111,390 vs. $36,520 for Retail Salespersons. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.